bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the Degree of Endoscopic Atrophy of the Gastric Mucosa and Carcinogenic Risk
Authors: Masuyama Hironori , Yoshitake Naoto , Sasai Takako , Nakamura Tetsuya , Masuyama Atsushi , Zuiki Toru , Kurashina Kentaro , Mieda Mitsuyo , Sunada Keijiro , Yamamoto Hironori , Togashi Kazutomo , Terano Akira , Hiraishi Hideyuki
Published: January 2015

Background: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer has been demonstrated, and the risk of gastric cancer occurrence is known to increase with the progression of atrophic changes associated with chronic gastritis. Endoscopic evaluation of the degree and extent of atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a simple and very important means of identifying a group at high risk for gastric cancer. This study aimed to clarify the carcinogenic risk in relation to the degree of atrophy. Methods: A total of 27,777 patients (272 with early gastric cancer and 135 with advanced gastric cancer) were included in this study. Endoscopically evaluated atrophy of the gastric mucosa was classified as C-0 to O-3 according to the Kimura and Takemoto classification system. Results: The cancer detection rate in relation to the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy was 0.04% (2/4,183 patients) for C-0, 0% (0/4,506) for C-1, 0.25% (9/3,660) for C-2, 0.71% (21/2,960) for C-3, 1.32% (75/5,684) for O-1, 3.70% (140/3,780) for O-2 and 5.33% (160/3,004) for O-3. As to the proportions of differentiated and undifferentiated cancers, the latter were relatively frequent in the C-0 to C-2 groups, but differentiated cancers became predominant as atrophy progressed. On the other hand, the number of both differentiated and undifferentiated cancers detected increased as gastric mucosal atrophy progressed. In addition, open-type atrophy was found in 29 (96.7%) of 30 patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers and in all 20 patients with metachronous multiple gastric cancers. Conclusion: Endoscopic evaluation of gastric mucosal atrophy can provide a simple and reliable predictive index for both current and future carcinogenic risk.
Time Trends of the Impact of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Peptic Ulcer Bleeding in Japanese Patients
Authors: Nagasue Tomohiro , Nakamura Shotaro , Kochi Shuji , Kurahara Koichi , Yaita Hiroki , Kawasaki Keisuke , Fuchigami Tadahiko
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims:Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the main causes of peptic ulcers. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the time trends of the impact of H. pylori infection and use of NSAIDs and/or antithrombotic agents on peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) in Japanese patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 719 patients who had received endoscopic hemostasis for PUB between 2002 and 2013. Subjects were divided into either the first-half group (2002-2007, n = 363) or the second-half group (2008-2013, n = 356). The clinical characteristics of the patients, including the prevalence of H. pylori infection and use of NSAIDs and antithrombotic agents, were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared to the first-half group, patients in the second-half group were characterized by older age (proportion of the patients above 60 years old, 63.9 vs. 76.7%, p = 0.0002), less frequent H. pylori infection (71.6 vs. 57.9%, p < 0.001) and more frequent NSAID intake (39.9 vs. 48.6%, p = 0.02). No significant difference was observed regarding the use of antithrombotic agents between the two groups (18.6 vs. 23.3%, p = 0.13). The prevalence of H. pylori infection and proportion of patients above 60 years old were significantly different between the two groups in a multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The main cause of PUB has clearly shifted from H. pylori infection to the use of NSAIDs over the last decade.
Therapeutic Strategy for Crohn's Disease with a Loss of Response to Infliximab: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Nagata Yutaka , Esaki Motohiro , Umeno Junji , Fuyuno Yuta , Ikegami Koji , Maehata Yuji , Asano Kouichi , Moriyama Tomohiko , Nakamura Shotaro , Kitazono Takanari , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Infliximab (IFX) is an effective treatment for maintaining clinical remission in patients with initially moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD). However, a certain number of patients become unresponsive to IFX, subsequently requiring intensified therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term therapeutic efficacy of intensified regimens in CD patients who fail to respond to IFX. Methods: The clinical courses of 33 CD patients who failed to respond to treatment with IFX were investigated retrospectively. An intensified regimen involving doubling the dose of IFX was chosen in 13 patients (DD group) versus shortening the IFX interval in 13 patients (SI group) and switching to adalimumab (ADA) in 7 patients (SA group). Results: The clinical response and rate of clinical remission at 4 weeks were 62 and 54% in the DD group, 77 and 62% in the SI group and 57 and 43% in the SA group, respectively (p = 0.59 for clinical response, p = 0.90 for clinical remission). The rate of sustained remission at 48 weeks was 44% in the DD group, 54% in the SI group and 33% in the SA group (p = 0.88). Conclusion: The short- and long-term efficacy of doubling the dose of IFX, shortening the interval of IFX or switching to ADA is similar for CD patients who no longer respond to IFX.
Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics of Serrated Lesions in Japanese Elderly Patients
Authors: Nosho Katsuhiko , Igarashi Hisayoshi , Ito Miki , Mitsuhashi Kei , Kurihara Hiroyoshi , Kanno Shinichi , Yoshii Shinji , Mikami Masashi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Kusumi Takaya , Hosokawa Masao , Sukawa Yasutaka , Adachi Yasushi , Hasegawa Tadashi , Okita Kenji , Hirata Koichi , Maruyama Reo , Suzuki Hiromu , Imai Kohzoh , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Shinomura Yasuhisa
Published: January 2015

Background: The population in Japan is aging more rapidly than in any other country. However, no studies have determined the characteristics of the large population of elderly patients with colorectal tumors. Therefore, we examined the clinicopathological and molecular features of these tumors in elderly patients. Methods: In total, 1,627 colorectal tumors (393 serrated lesions, 277 non-serrated adenomas and 957 colorectal cancers) were acquired from patients. Tumor specimens were analyzed for BRAF and KRAS mutations, CpG island methylator phenotype-specific promoters (CACNA1G, CDKN2A, IGF2 and RUNX3), IGFBP7, MGMT, MLH1 and RASSF2 methylation, microsatellite instability (MSI) and microRNA- 31 (miR-31). Results: The frequency of elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) with cytological dysplasia was higher than that of those with other serrated lesions and non-serrated adenomas (p < 0.0001). In elderly patients, all SSAs were located in the proximal colon (particularly the cecum to ascending colon). High miR-31 expression, MLH1 methylation and MSI-high status were more frequently detected in SSAs from elderly patients than in those from non-elderly patients. In contrast, no significant differences were found between older age of onset and high-grade dysplasia for traditional serrated adenomas or non-serrated adenomas in any of these molecular alterations. Conclusion: In elderly patients, all SSAs were located in the proximal colon. Furthermore, cytological dysplasia and molecular alterations were more frequently detected in elderly patients with SSAs than in non-elderly patients. Thus, careful colonoscopic examinations of the proximal colon are necessary for elderly patients because SSAs in those patients may exhibit malignant potential.
Estimation of Body Composition and Normal Fluid Status Using a Calf Bioimpedance Technique
Authors: Zhu Fansan , Levin Nathan W.
Published: January 2015

The aims of this study in hemodialysis (HD) patients were: 1. To evaluate the relationship of calf bioimpedance with total body composition and fluid status as measured by gold standard methods. 2. To investigate the ability of calf normalized resistivity (CNR) to predict the normal fluid status (dry weight: DW) in a prospective study. In the body composition study (n = 41), fluid status (ECVBr/FFMMRI), muscle mass (MMMRI), and total adipose tissue (TATMRI) were measured by dilution (D2O and Br) and MRI methods three hours prior to HD treatment. Calf extracellular and intracellular resistance, resistivity, and CNR were measured with a multi-frequency bioimpedance device (Hydra 4200). In the fluid status study (n = 32 with 429 measurements), a nonlinear model based on the differences in CNR between patients and healthy subjects was established to predict DWcBIS previously determined by a separate continuous calf bioimpedance spectroscopy (cBIS) method. CNR significantly correlated with a gold standard hydration marker (ECVBr/FFMMRI). Calf body composition models were highly correlated with MMMRI (R2 = 0.85) and TATMRI (R2 = 0.85). DWcBIS prediction was validated with a CNR model in the degree of differences of 0.94 ± 0.18, 0.39 ± 0.7 and -0.02 ± 0.8 kg from DWcBIS when post HD fluid overload was 1.8 ± 1.2, 1.15 ± 0.8 and 0.54 ± 0.5 kg, respectively. These differences are not considered to be clinically significant. Conclusion: This practical method of calf bioimpedance is useful to predict body composition and normal fluid status in dialysis patients.
Acute Peritoneal Dialysis in African Pediatric Area Experience of Pediatric Nephrology Unit of Yopougon University Hospital (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Diarrassouba Gnenefoly , Adonis-Koffy Laurence , Niamien Ekou , Yaokreh Jean Baptiste , Coulibaly Pessa Albert
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a diagnostic emergency threatening patients in a major way. Pediatric renal extra purification methods are limited in African countries due to the nonavailability of resources. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) seems to be the modality that is the most practiced for children with acute renal failure (ARF). Methodology: We conducted a retrospective study on 5 years of records of children from 1 month to 15 years who have suffered an ARF and benefited from PD while being treated at the pediatric nephrology unit of the Chu of Yopougon. ARF is defined as the condition that exists when the serum creatinine level is high or equal to 200 µmol/l outside any underlying uropathies. Results: Out of the hospitalized 88 children for AKI, 33 were on PD. Twenty-two children have been on dialysis while 9 children had to discontinue treatment due to financial problems. The sex ratio was 0.46 and the average age was 8.1. The etiologies of the AKI were predominantly glomerular diseases (45%), malaria (31.8%), and secondary interstitial nephritis of toxic origin. The indications of the PD are anuria (31%), hyperkalemia (18%), acute edema of lung (13%), and hyperuremia (13%). Eight children had automated peritoneal dialysis, 02 children underwent manual PD, and 9 children had both methods of treatment. We recorded 31 mechanical complications and 10 infections. While 8 children died, 10 recovered from AKI. Conclusion: Trained surgical medical personnel and favorable economic statuses of patients are the factors that will determine the success of PD in our country.
Update on Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Akchurin Oleh M. , Kaskel Frederick
Published: January 2015

Background: Despite recent advances in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) management, morbidity and mortality in this population remain exceptionally high. Persistent, low-grade inflammation has been recognized as an important component of CKD, playing a unique role in its pathophysiology and being accountable in part for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, as well as contributing to the development of protein-energy wasting. Summary: The variety of factors contribute to chronic inflammatory status in CKD, including increased production and decreased clearance of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and acidosis, chronic and recurrent infections, including those related to dialysis access, altered metabolism of adipose tissue, and intestinal dysbiosis. Inflammation directly correlates with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in CKD and culminates in dialysis patients, where extracorporeal factors, such as impurities in dialysis water, microbiological quality of the dialysate, and bioincompatible factors in the dialysis circuit play an additional role. Genetic and epigenetic influences contributing to inflammatory activation in CKD are currently being intensively investigated. A number of interventions have been proposed to target inflammation in CKD, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological agents, and optimization of dialysis. Importantly, some of these therapies have been recently tested in randomized controlled trials. Key Messages: Chronic inflammation should be regarded as a common comorbid condition in CKD and especially in dialysis patients. A number of interventions have been proven to be safe and effective in well-designed clinical studies. This includes such inexpensive approaches as modification of physical activity and dietary supplementation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the effects of these interventions on hard outcomes, as well as to better understand the role of inflammation in selected CKD populations (e.g., in children).
Home Hemodialysis Dose: Balancing Patient Needs and Preferences
Authors: Diaz-Buxo Jose A. , Zeller-Knuth Corinne E. , Rambaran Kerry Anne , Himmele Rainer
Published: January 2015

Background: The aim in defining the dose of HHD is to provide sufficient dialysis required to possibly ‘normalize' all abnormalities associated with renal failure in order improve patient survival and quality of life. Much progress has been made in defining the dose required to accomplish this goal, but the evidence is still far from robust. The main limitations are incomplete understanding of uremic toxins, their relative importance in causing uremic symptoms, and our inability to comprehensively assess dry weight. Summary: This review provides guidance on realistic dosing of dialysis for the HHD patient based on the available evidence, where available, and alternative regimens that suit the individual's lifestyle and preferences. Key Messages: HHD can easily accommodate alternative, intensive HD prescriptions, including daily and nocturnal HD. HHD provides prescription flexibility to fulfill patient needs while taking their preferences into account.
The Concept of Frailty in Geriatric Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients
Authors: Lam Morgan , Jassal Sarbjit V.
Published: January 2015

Frailty, which is a geriatric syndrome characterized by weakness, impaired mobility, balance, and minimal reserve, is highly prevalent in the renal population. While distinct from disability and comorbidity, some of the simplest and most clinically useful scales incorporate both the burden of medical symptoms and the effect on functional independence into the evaluation of frailty. In the renal population, the frailty phenotype has been shown to correlate with important outcomes such as hospitalization and survival. Further work is required to establish if the presence of, and the treatments used for renal disease, promote the sick role and decreased participation in exercise with overestimation of frailty or if the frailty phenotype identifies people who may benefit from rehabilitation and other interventions.
The Need for Dialysis in Haiti: Dream or Reality
Authors: Exantus Judith , Desrosiers Florence , Ternier Alexandra , Métayer Audie , Abel Gérard , Buteau Jean-Hénold
Published: January 2015

According to the World Health Organization reports, nowadays burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) is well documented. The high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are the main causes of CKD, is a big concern in the world health scenario [1]. These NCD can progress slowly to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the low-middle income countries (LMIC) like Haiti are not left unscathed by this worldwide scourge. Several well-known public health issues prevalent in Haiti such as acute diarrheal infections, malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), can also impair the function of the kidney. Dialysis, a form of renal replacement therapy (RRT), represents a life-saving therapy for all patients affected with impaired kidney. In Haiti, few patients have access to health insurance or disability financial support. Considering that seventy-two percent (72%) of Haitians live with less than USD 2 per day [2], survival with CKD can be quite stressful for them. Data on the weight of the dialysis and its management are scarce. Addressing the need for dialysis in Haiti is an important component in decision-making and planning processes in the health sector. This paper is intended to bring forth discussion on the use of this type of renal replacement therapy in Haiti: the past, the present, and the challenges it presents. We will also make some recommendations in order to manage this serious problem.
Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953)
Authors: UGALDE DIANA , GÓMEZ Patricia , SIMÕES NUNO
Published: January 2015

Marine sponges usually constitute the most diverse group of the benthic community in coral reefs. Although they are reasonably well studied at the northern Gulf of Mexico (GMx), the southern GMx is poorly known and lacks records from many major reef systems that lie off the Mexican coast. The present taxonomic study is the first sponge account from Alacranes reef, the largest coral reef system in the GMx, and from the shallow reef banks of Sisal, both in the northwest Yucatan Peninsula. The 19 species herein described represent the first sponge fauna records from these reefs. Among these, seven species represent new record for GMx: Erylus formosus, Cliona flavifodina, Spirastrella aff. mollis, Strongylacidon bermuda, Topsentia bahamensis, Agelas tubulata and Chelonaplysilla aff. erecta. Twelve species are new records for the Southern GMx: Erylus trisphaerus, Cliona amplicavata, Chondrilla caribensis, Halichondria lutea, Hymeniacidon caerulea, Axinella corrugata, Dragmacidon reticulatum, Chalinula molitba, Amphimedon caribica, A. complanata, Hyatella cavernosa and Dysidea variabilis. Additionally, a redescription of Erylus trisphaerus is presented which had not been reviewed since its original description in 1953 off Western Florida, except that it was listed for north La Habana, Cuba.
Redescription of Herdmania papietensis Herdman, 1882 (Ascidiacea, Pyuridae) from Polynesia
Authors: MONNIOT FRANÇOISE , DEBITUS CECILE
Published: January 2015

Among the Pyuridae family the genus Herdmania Lahille, 1888 differs from the diagnose of Pyura Molina, 1782 by the presence of needle-shape echinated spicules in all tissues. These striking elements formerly led to identify many specimens collected in tropical or temperate waters as Herdmania momus (Savigny, 1916). Later the genus was split into several species with a special attention to the different structure of the gonoducts. Newly collected specimens and a revision of previously described animals in Polynesia lead to the redescription of Herdmania papietensis Herdman 1882 from Polynesia and to compare it to the other Herdmania species known in the Pacific Ocean.
New and little-known species of Arachnospila (subgenus Ammosphex) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from East Siberia
Authors: LOKTIONOV VALERY M. , LELEJ ARKADY S.
Published: January 2015

Seventeen species are listed. Five new species: Arachnospila (Ammosphex) kasparyani sp. nov. (Tuva), A. (A.) maxim sp. nov. (Tuva, Khakassia), A. (A.) moczari sp. nov. (Tuva), A. (A.) scythia sp. nov. (Tuva), A. (A.) sibirica sp. nov. (Tuva, Republic of Altai) are described and illustrated. Arachnospila (Ammosphex) eoabnormis Lelej, 1995, A. (A.) orientausa Loktionov & Lelej, 2011, and A. (A.) mongolopinata Wolf, 1981 are newly recorded from East Siberia. The distribution of eight species in East Siberia is enlarged. The revised key of 24 species in males from East Siberia and Russian Far East is given.
Nematocera flies recorded in Serra do Courel, northwest Spain, May 2012 (Diptera: Anisopodidae, Blepharoceridae, Cylindrotomidae, Limoniidae, Pediciidae, Tipulidae and Trichoceridae) including descriptions of two new species of Limoniidae
Authors: HANCOCK E. GEOFFREY , HEWITT STEPHEN M. , HORSFIELD DAVID , LYSZKOWSI RICHARD M. , MACGOWAN IAIN , RICARTE ANTONIO , ROTHERAY GRAHAM E. , WATT KENNETH
Published: January 2015

During May 2012 Diptera were sampled in the Serro do Courel area of Lugo Province, Galicia, northwest Spain. The authors of this paper, members of the Malloch Society (see website) are active in attempting to understand the detailed ecology of flies. Much of this work is through targeting larval stages often with an emphasis on saproxylic situations. By rearing adults from larvae direct relationships between them and their detailed habitat requirements are established. The list of nematocerous Diptera that were sampled includes 36 species two of them new to science and records of six others new to the Iberian peninsula are provided. We describe Lipsothrix galiciensis Hancock & Hewitt sp. nov., and Prionolabis pjotri Hancock sp. nov. of the family Limoniidae and provide a key to adults of European Lipsothrix species. Such results from this brief opportunity indicate the potential of the area for further field work in these and other families of Diptera.
A new generic synonym in the Reduviinae of Australia, with an updated key to genera (Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: SWANSON DANIEL R.
Published: January 2015

The monotypic genus Horciniella Miller, 1958 is considered a junior synonym of Archilestidium Breddin, 1900 (new synonymy), resulting in the following taxonomic change for its type species: Archilestidium variabile (Miller, 1958) (new combination). The evidence supporting this conclusion and the new composition of the genus are discussed at length. Updated keys to the reduviine genera of Australia and the Australian species of Horcinia Stål, 1874 are included. Habitus images as well as a new distributional record are provided for several Australian reduviines.
Mitragomphus ganzanus Needham, 1944, a geographically misplaced dragonfly, is a junior synonym of Gomphidia kirschii Selys, 1878 (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Authors: GARRISON ROSSER W. , DIJKSTRA KLAAS-DOUWE B. , HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI , VILLANUEVA REAGAN JOSEPH T.
Published: January 2015

Based on comparison of specimens and descriptions, Mitragomphus ganzanus Needham, 1944, described from Braganza [Bragança], Pará State, Brazil, and known only from the holotype, is found to be a junior synonym of Gomphidia kirschii Selys, 1878, a species from the Philippines. The monotypic genus Mitragomphus Needham, 1944, is synonymized with the genus Gomphidia Selys, 1854.
On some interesting marine decapod crustaceans (Alpheidae, Laomediidae, Strahlaxiidae) from Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , PRATAMA IDHAM SUMARTO , FIRDAUS MUHAMMAD , RAHAYU DWI LISTYO
Published: January 2015

Several rare or uncommon, mostly infaunal decapod crustaceans are reported from intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats of Lombok, Indonesia. The alpheid shrimps Alpheus angustilineatus Nomura & Anker, 2005, Athanas shawnsmithi Anker, 2011, Jengalpheops rufus Anker & Dworschak, 2007, Salmoneus alpheophilus Anker & Marin, 2006, Salmoneus colinorum De Grave, 2004, and the laomediid mud-shrimp Naushonia carinata Dworschak, Marin & Anker, 2006, are reported for the first time since their original descriptions and represent new records for the marine fauna of Indonesia. The alpheid shrimps Alpheus macellarius Chace, 1988, Alpheus platyunguiculatus (Banner, 1953), Athanas japonicus Kubo, 1936, Athanas polymorphus Kemp, 1915, Leptalpheus denticulatus Anker & Marin, 2009, Richalpheus palmeri Anker & Jeng, 2006, Salmoneus gracilipes Miya, 1972, Salmoneus tricristatus Banner, 1959 and the laomediid mudshrimps Laomedia astacina De Haan, 1841 and Naushonia lactoalbida Berggren, 1992 are new records for Indonesian waters. The remaining alpheid shrimps, namely Alpheopsis yaldwyni Banner & Banner, 1973, Alpheus savuensis De Man, 1908, Automate anacanthopus De Man, 1910, Automate dolichognatha De Man, 1888, Salmoneus serratidigitus (Coutière, 1896), and the strahlaxiid mud-shrimp Neaxius glyptocercus (von Martens, 1869), all previously known from Indonesia, are recorded for the first time from Lombok. Colour photographs are provided for all species reported, some shown in colour for the first time.
One subspecies less for the European herpetofauna: the taxonomic and nomenclatural status of Hemidactylus turcicus spinalis (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)
Authors: ŠMÍD JIŘÍ , MORAVEC JIŘÍ , ZAWADZKI MIKE , BERG MARTEN VAN DEN
Published: January 2015

Reptile systematics is currently primarily supported by genetic evidence, which has brought numbers of cases of taxonomic reconsiderations within the last years. Genetic studies have resulted in taxonomic changes at the subspecific level with many subspecies being synonymized with species, lumped together, or elevated to a species status (see Torstrom et al. 2014 for a review). The reptile fauna of Europe ranks among the best studied in the world in terms of taxonomy, yet it still includes taxa whose original descriptions were based on insufficient morphological diagnoses and the status of which should be reassessed by integrating genetic methods. One such case is provided here.
Three new Fridericia species (Oligochaeta, Enchytraeidae) from Transylvania, Romania
Authors: BOROS GERGELY , DÓZSA-FARKAS KLÁRA
Published: January 2015

We give descriptions of three new Fridericia species (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta) from Transylvania, Romania. Fridericia transylvanica sp. n. is a large-sized worm with a maximum of 4 chaetae per bundle. The spermathecae are separate entally and have two sac-like diverticula bent distad with the ampulla forming a common U-shaped sperm-containing chamber. The species was found not only in the Transylvanian Plateau but also in different regions of the Carpathians in Romania and Serbia. Fridericia gyromonodactyla sp. n. is medium-sized with a maximum of 3 chaetae per bundle. There are only four pairs of preclitellar nephridia. The spermathecal ectal duct is contractile and shorter than the body diameter; each ampulla has only one diverticulum, elongate and coiled, and there is one sessile gland at the orifice. Fridericia longeaurita sp.n. is large-sized with 4(5) chaetae per preclitellar bundle but only two or one in postclitellar bundles. The spermathecal ectal duct is shorter than the body diameter, with one small and sessile ectal gland at the orifice. Each ampulla has two long, ear-shaped, and sac-like diverticula. None of the three species were rare at the sites where they occurred.
Redescription of three species of Anastrepha (Diptera, Tephritidae) rediscovered in Brazil, with the establishment of a new synonym
Authors: URAMOTO KEIKO , ZUCCHI ROBERTO A. , NORRBOM ALLEN L.
Published: January 2015

The descriptions of Anastrepha matertela Zucchi and A. tenella Zucchi were based exclusively on the holotypes (female). Based on additional specimens collected in Brazil since their original descriptions, both species are redescribed and illustrated. A lectotype is designated for Anastrepha bivittata (Macquart, 1843), which also is redescribed and considered to be the senior synonym of A. fumipennis Lima, 1934.
Simulium hiroyukii, a new species of the subgenus Gomphostilbia (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Mount Murud, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: YA’COB ZUBAIDAH , TAKAOKA HIROYUKI , SOFIAN-AZIRUN MOHD
Published: January 2015

Simulium (Gomphostilbia) hiroyukii is described based on females, males, pupae and larvae collected in Mount Murud, Sarawak, Malaysia. This new species is assigned to the Simulium darjeelingense species-group of the subgenus Gomphostilbia, and is characterized by the darkened fore coxae and the pupal gill with eight long filaments, of which middle and dorsal triplets have elongated primary and secondary stalks, respectively.
Resolution and Dynamical Core Dependence of Atmospheric River Frequency in Global Model Simulations
Authors: Hagos Samson , Leung L. Ruby , Yang Qing , Zhao Chun , Lu Jian
Published: January 2015

This study examines the sensitivity of atmospheric river (AR) frequency simulated by a global model with different grid resolutions and dynamical cores. Analysis is performed on aquaplanet simulations using version 4 of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4) at 240-, 120-, 60-, and 30-km model resolutions, each with the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) and High-Order Methods Modeling Environment (HOMME) dynamical cores. The frequency of AR events decreases with model resolution and the HOMME dynamical core produces more AR events than MPAS. Comparing the frequencies determined using absolute and percentile thresholds of large-scale conditions used to define an AR, model sensitivity is found to be related to the overall sensitivity of subtropical westerlies, atmospheric precipitable water content and profile, and to a lesser extent extratropical Rossby wave activity to model resolution and dynamical core. Real-world simulations using MPAS at 120- and 30-km grid resolutions also exhibit a decrease of AR frequency with increasing resolution over the southern east Pacific, but the difference is smaller over the northern east Pacific. This interhemispheric difference is related to the enhancement of convection in the tropics with increased resolution. This anomalous convection sets off Rossby wave patterns that weaken the subtropical westerlies over the southern east Pacific but has relatively little effect on those over the northern east Pacific. In comparison to the NCEP-2 reanalysis, MPAS real-world simulations are found to underestimate AR frequencies at both resolutions likely because of their climatologically drier subtropics and poleward-shifted jets. This study highlights the important links between model climatology of large-scale conditions and extremes.
Initial Conditions for Convective-Scale Ensemble Forecasting Provided by Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Harnisch Florian , Keil Christian
Published: January 2015

A kilometer-scale ensemble data assimilation system (KENDA) based on a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) has been developed for the Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling (COSMO) limited-area model. The data assimilation system provides an analysis ensemble that can be used to initialize ensemble forecasts at a horizontal grid resolution of 2.8 km. Convective-scale ensemble forecasts over Germany using ensemble initial conditions derived by the KENDA system are evaluated and compared to operational forecasts with downscaled initial conditions for a short summer period during June 2012.

The choice of the inflation method applied in the LETKF significantly affects the ensemble analysis and forecast. Using a multiplicative background covariance inflation does not produce enough spread in the analysis ensemble leading to a degradation of the ensemble forecasts. Inflating the analysis ensemble instead by either multiplicative analysis covariance inflation or relaxation inflation methods enhances the analysis spread and is able to provide initial conditions that produce more consistent ensemble forecasts. The forecast quality for short forecast lead times up to 3 h is improved, and 21-h forecasts also benefit from the increased spread.

Doubling the ensemble size has not only a clear positive impact on the analysis but also on the short-term ensemble forecasts, while a simple representation of model error perturbing parameters of the model physics has only a small impact. Precipitation and surface wind speed ensemble forecasts using the high-resolution KENDA-derived initial conditions are competitive compared to the operationally used downscaled initial conditions.
Highlighted & Underlined
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: January 2015

News items include a report that boys read more nonfiction than girls, but both group read less nonfiction than set by NAEP goals; a report that very few high school graduates plan to major in STEM subjects in college and fewer still plan to teach STEM subjects; and information about how to develop a growth mindset.
Parents need access to education data — and need to know it’s secure
Authors: Guidera Aimee Rogstad
Published: January 2015

Everyone with a stake in education — especially parents — should understand the value of data and how they can benefit their children’s education. But most people aren’t hearing from their schools, districts, and states about how those data are being used and how their children’s and family’s privacy is being protected. Communicating clearly about what data are and how they’re used is essential to building the trust between parents and their school systems. And communicating about the full breadth of tools and resources that can be brought to life by data can go beyond trust and actually build demand for effective data use.
Student data privacy is cloudy today, clearer tomorrow
Authors: Trainor Sonja
Published: January 2015

An introduction to the big picture conversation on student data privacy and the norms that are coming out of it. The author looks at the current state of federal law, and ahead to proposed legislation at the federal level. The intent is to help educators become familiar with the key issues regarding student data privacy in education so as to participate in the conversation.
Ethical and appropriate data use requires data literacy
Authors: Mandinach Ellen B. , Parton Brennan M. , Gummer Edith S. , Anderson Rachel
Published: January 2015

Data use should be a continuous, integrated part of practice, a tool that is used all the time. Good teachers have been doing data-driven decision making all along, it just has not been recognized by that term. But there is more work to be done to ensure that educators know how to continuously, effectively, and ethically use data; that is, to help them to be data literate. Several federal laws protect student data -- most notably FERPA; teachers and other school officials should have a working knowledge of them.
Who uses student data? (Infographic)
Authors:   Data Quality Campaign
Published: January 2015

Who uses student data? is an infographic created by the Data Quality Campaign. (Used with permission) It answers important privacy-related questions about who collects, uses, and distributes student data. Most personal student information stays local. Districts, states, and the federal government all collect data about students for important purposes like informing instruction and providing information to the public. But the type of data collected, and who can access them, is different at each point.
Ceramic coating formation on high Si containing Al alloy by PEO process
Authors: Wang P. , Li J.P. , Guo Y.C. , Yang Z. , Wang J.L.
Published: January 2015

Composited ceramic coating was successfully deposited on a cast piston Al–Si system alloy ZAl12Si3Cu2NiMg using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process, and the coating mechanism that focused on the initial stages was studied systematically. The morphology, composition and microstructure of the PEO coating were analysed in detail by combination of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray system and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the PEO process involved three stages. The anodic oxide films were simultaneously formed on α-Al phase and eutectic Si in the initial first stage of PEO treatment, but no plasma discharge occurred on primary bulk Si phase. Both primary and eutectic Si phases prevented aluminium oxidisation and had great effects on the morphology and composition of coatings at the first stage. When voltage exceeded 300 V, plasma discharge appeared and concentrated on the localised zone of interface between α-Al and Si phase, and Al–Si–O compound formed. The silicon was oxidised into SiO2 and mixed with Al2O3, which was formed when melted at high temperature. The roughness of coating that formed on bulk particle of silicon containing, silicon dioxide, was greater than that of other coatings that formed on other phases. When the PEO process time was long enough to get stage III, a coating with smooth surface morphology and uniform element distribution was obtained, but the microstructure of inner layer was loose due to the bulk Si existing.
Forward screening for seedling tolerance to Fe toxicity reveals a polymorphic mutation in ferric chelate reductase in rice
Authors: Ruengphayak Siriphat , Ruanjaichon Vinitchan , Saensuk Chatree , Phromphan Supaporn , Tragoonrung Somvong , Kongkachuichai Ratchanee , Vanavichit Apichart
Published: January 2015

Background

Rice contains the lowest grain Fe content among cereals. One biological limiting factor is the tolerance of rice to Fe toxicity. Reverse and forward genetic screenings were used to identify tolerance to Fe toxicity in 4,500 M4 lines irradiated by fast neutrons (FN).

Findings

Fe-tolerant mutants were successfully isolated. In the forward screen, we selected five highly tolerant and four highly intolerant mutants based on the response of seedlings to 300 ppm Fe. Reverse screening based on the polymorphic coding sequence of seven Fe homeostatic genes detected by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) revealed MuFRO1, a mutant for OsFRO1 (LOC_Os04g36720). The MuFRO1 mutant tolerated Fe toxicity in the vegetative stage and had 21-30% more grain Fe content than its wild type. All five highly Fe-tolerant mutants have the same haplotype as the MuFRO1, confirming the important role of OsFRO1 in Fe homeostasis in rice.

Conclusions

FN radiation generated extreme Fe-tolerant mutants capable of tolerating different levels of Fe toxicity in the lowland rice environment. Mutants from both reverse and forward screens suggested a role for OsFRO1 in seedling tolerance to Fe toxicity. The MuFRO1 mutant could facilitate rice production in the high-Fe soil found in Southeast Asia.
Comparison of DNA methylation profiles in human fetal and adult red blood cell progenitors
Authors: Lessard Samuel , Beaudoin Mélissa , Benkirane Karim , Lettre Guillaume
Published: January 2015

Background

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that plays an important role during mammalian development. Around birth in humans, the main site of red blood cell production moves from the fetal liver to the bone marrow. DNA methylation changes at the β-globin locus and a switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin production characterize this transition. Understanding this globin switch may improve the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, two of the most common Mendelian diseases in the world. The goal of our study was to describe and compare the genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation in fetal and adult human erythroblasts.

Methods

We used the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 k BeadChip to measure DNA methylation at 402,819 CpGs in ex vivo-differentiated erythroblasts from 12 fetal liver and 12 bone marrow CD34+ donors.

Results

We identified 5,937 differentially methylated CpGs that overlap with erythroid enhancers and binding sites for erythropoiesis-related transcription factors. Combining this information with genome-wide association study results, we show that erythroid enhancers define particularly promising genomic regions to identify new genetic variants associated with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in humans. Many differentially methylated CpGs are located near genes with unanticipated roles in red blood cell differentiation and proliferation. For some of these new candidate genes, we confirm the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression levels in red blood cell progenitors. We also provide evidence that DNA methylation and genetic variation at the β-globin locus independently control globin gene expression in adult erythroblasts.

Conclusions

Our DNA methylome maps confirm the widespread dynamic changes in DNA methylation that occur during human erythropoiesis. These changes tend to happen near erythroid enhancers, further highlighting their importance in erythroid regulation and HbF production. Finally, DNA methylation may act independently of the transcription factor BCL11A to repress fetal hemoglobin production. This provides cues on strategies to more efficiently re-activate HbF production in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia patients.
A cross-sectional study of pain sensitivity, disease-activity assessment, mental health, and fibromyalgia status in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Joharatnam Nalinie , McWilliams Daniel F , Wilson Deborah , Wheeler Maggie , Pande Ira , Walsh David A
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Pain remains the most important problem for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Active inflammatory disease contributes to pain, but pain due to non-inflammatory mechanisms can confound the assessment of disease activity. We hypothesize that augmented pain processing, fibromyalgic features, poorer mental health, and patient-reported 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) components are associated in RA.

Methods

In total, 50 people with stable, long-standing RA recruited from a rheumatology outpatient clinic were assessed for pain-pressure thresholds (PPTs) at three separate sites (knee, tibia, and sternum), DAS28, fibromyalgia, and mental health status. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess the association between PPT and DAS28 components, DAS28-P (the proportion of DAS28 derived from the patient-reported components of visual analogue score and tender joint count), or fibromyalgia status.

Results

More-sensitive PPTs at sites over or distant from joints were each associated with greater reported pain, higher patient-reported DAS28 components, and poorer mental health. A high proportion of participants (48%) satisfied classification criteria for fibromyalgia, and fibromyalgia classification or characteristics were each associated with more sensitive PPTs, higher patient-reported DAS28 components, and poorer mental health.

Conclusions

Widespread sensitivity to pressure-induced pain, a high prevalence of fibromyalgic features, higher patient-reported DAS28 components, and poorer mental health are all linked in established RA. The increased sensitivity at nonjoint sites (sternum and anterior tibia), as well as over joints, indicates that central mechanisms may contribute to pain sensitivity in RA. The contribution of patient-reported components to high DAS28 should inform decisions on disease-modifying or pain-management approaches in the treatment of RA when inflammation may be well controlled.
Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells are significantly increased by tocilizumab treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: increase in regulatory T cells correlates with clinical response
Authors: Kikuchi Jun , Hashizume Misato , Kaneko Yuko , Yoshimoto Keiko , Nishina Naoshi , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, is clinically effective against rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and several reports have indicated how TCZ influences a number of mechanisms underlying RA pathogenesis. However, it is still unclear whether TCZ affects inflammatory cells in peripheral blood and whether any such changes are associated with clinical response. We evaluated associations between proportions of subsets of peripheral immune cells and clinical response in patients with RA treated with TCZ.

Methods

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with RA who started to receive TCZ as their first biologic between March 2010 and April 2012 were enrolled. The proportions of several subsets of peripheral cells with their levels of expression of differentiation markers, activation markers and costimulatory molecules were measured sequentially from baseline to week 52 by flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission was achieved in 53.8% of patients at week 52 of TCZ therapy. The proportions of CD4+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells (Treg) and HLA-DR+ activated Treg cells significantly increased with TCZ therapy (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas proportions of CD3+CD4+CXCR3−CCR6+CD161+ T helper 17 cells did not change over the 52 weeks. The proportions of CD20+CD27+ memory B cells, HLA-DR+CD14+ and CD69+CD14+ activated monocytes, and CD16+CD14+ monocytes significantly decreased (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Among them, only the change in Treg cells was inversely correlated with the change in CDAI score (ρ = −0.40, P = 0.011). The most dynamic increase in Treg cells was observed in the CDAI remission group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that TCZ affected proportions of circulating immune cells in patients with RA. The proportion of Treg cells among CD4+ cells correlated well with clinical response.
Noisy training for deep neural networks in speech recognition
Authors: Yin Shi , Liu Chao , Zhang Zhiyong , Lin Yiye , Wang Dong , Tejedor Javier , Zheng Thomas Fang , Li Yinguo
Published: January 2015

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have gained remarkable success in speech recognition, partially attributed to the flexibility of DNN models in learning complex patterns of speech signals. This flexibility, however, may lead to serious over-fitting and hence miserable performance degradation in adverse acoustic conditions such as those with high ambient noises. We propose a noisy training approach to tackle this problem: by injecting moderate noises into the training data intentionally and randomly, more generalizable DNN models can be learned. This ‘noise injection’ technique, although known to the neural computation community already, has not been studied with DNNs which involve a highly complex objective function. The experiments presented in this paper confirm that the noisy training approach works well for the DNN model and can provide substantial performance improvement for DNN-based speech recognition.
Combined Training Enhances Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity Independent of Age
Authors: Irving Brian A. , Lanza Ian R. , Henderson Gregory C. , Rao Rajesh R. , Spiegelman Bruce M. , Nair K. Sreekumaran
Published: January 2015

Context:

Skeletal muscle from sedentary older adults exhibits reduced mitochondrial abundance and oxidative capacity.

Objective:

The primary objective was to determine whether 8 weeks of combined training (CT) has a more robust effect than endurance training (ET) or resistance training (RT) on mitochondrial physiology in healthy young (18–30 years) and older (≥65 years) adults.

Intervention:

Thirty-four young and 31 older adults were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of ET, RT, and control/CT. Control subjects completed 8 weeks of no exercise (control) followed by 8 weeks of CT. Body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and peak oxygen uptake were measured before and after the intervention. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were obtained before and 48 hours after the intervention. Mitochondrial physiology was evaluated by high-resolution respirometry and expression of mitochondrial proteins and transcription factors by quantitative PCR and immunoblotting.

Results:

ET and CT significantly increased oxidative capacity and expression of mitochondrial proteins and transcription factors. All training modalities improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and skeletal muscle strength. CT induced the most robust improvements in mitochondria-related outcomes and physical characteristics despite lower training volumes for the ET and RT components. Importantly, most of the adaptations to training occurred independent of age.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these results demonstrate that both ET and CT increase muscle mitochondrial abundance and capacity although CT induced the most robust improvements in the outcomes measured. In conclusion, CT provides a robust exercise regimen to improve muscle mitochondrial outcomes and physical characteristics independent of age.