bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prebiotic Geochemical Automata at the Intersection of Radiolytic Chemistry, Physical Complexity, and Systems Biology
Authors: Adam Zachary R. , Fahrenbach Albert C. , Kacar Betul , Aono Masashi
Published: June 2018

The tractable history of life records a successive emergence of organisms composed of hierarchically organized cells and greater degrees of individuation. The lowermost object level of this hierarchy is the cell, but it is unclear whether the organizational attributes of living systems extended backward through prebiotic stages of chemical evolution. If the systems biology attributes of the cell were indeed templated upon prebiotic synthetic relationships between subcellular objects, it is not obvious how to categorize object levels below the cell in ways that capture any hierarchies which may have preceded living systems. In this paper, we map out stratified relationships between physical components that drive the production of key prebiotic molecules starting from radiolysis of a small number of abundant molecular species. Connectivity across multiple levels imparts the potential to create and maintain far‐from‐equilibrium chemical conditions and to manifest nonlinear system behaviors best approximated using automata formalisms. The architectural attribute of “information hiding” of energy exchange processes at each object level is shared with stable, multitiered automata such as digital computers. These attributes may indicate a profound connection between the system complexity afforded by energy dissipation by subatomic level objects and the emergence of complex automata that could have preceded biological systems.
Shape Optimization for Natural Frequency with Isogeometric Kirchhoff-Love Shell and Sensitivity Mapping
Authors: Lei Zhen , Gillot Frederic , Jezequel Louis
Published: June 2018

A fast shape optimization strategy for free form shell structure design with structural dynamics criteria is proposed in this paper. The structures are modelled with Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline based isogeometric Kirchhoff-Love shell elements. The substitution of the traditional finite elements not only makes the mesh model geometrically exact but also avoids the laborious mesh regeneration during the design update. As for the structural response evaluation, the modal synthesis method is adopted to avoid a repeated evaluation of some substructures where there are no designed variables attached; thus, the model reanalysis is speeded up. A bottom-up strategy for the analytical design sensitivity evaluation is also proposed here; the element-level analytical sensitivity with respect to the inherent shape parameters is firstly calculated from which the design sensitivity is then extracted with the help of a sensitivity map. Finally, gradient based algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. Several examples show that our approach is flexible and efficient for fast free form shell structure optimization.
Preparation of a Natural Candy from Date (Phoenix dactyliferaL.), Olive (Olea europaeaL.), and Carob (Ceratonia siliquaL.) Fruits
Authors: Radia Abdellaoui , Boukhiar Aissa , Kechadi Khenchla , Benamara Salem
Published: June 2018

Until the early 1960s, the traditional recipe “Arkouy” from the mixture of carob (Ceratonia siliquaL.) powder and olive (Olea europaeaL.) oil represented a sought-after food product in some localities of the Kabylian region (Northeastern Algeria). The present work attempted to improve this traditional recipe to obtain a natural candy from date (Phoenix dactyliferaL.), olive (Olea europaeaL.), and carob (Ceratonia siliquaL.) fruits. For this, different formulations with various proportions of the date paste, olive paste, and carob powder were obtained using a constrained mixture design (proportion of date paste ≥ 0.7). The hardness and total color difference in the CIELab system were adopted as dependent variables. For comparison purpose, the local commercial candy “Caprice” was taken as reference. In addition, the two formulations containing the three basic ingredients were analyzed for the overall acceptability, reducing power, and thermal analysis. At first approximation, it can be said that the formulation containing 75% date paste, 20% carob powder, and 5% olive paste ensures a balance between the target values of texture and color. The obtained candy can be used as a dietary supplement for all categories of consumers, especially patients with swallowing difficulties.
An Analysis of a Dengue Outbreak at a Large Hospital and Epidemiological Evidence for Nosocomial Dengue
Authors: Ehelepola N. D. B. , Wijesinghe W. M. C. M.
Published: June 2018

Reports on dengue outbreaks at hospitals are extremely rare. Here the authors analyze a dengue outbreak at the Teaching Hospital-Kandy (THK), Sri Lanka. Our hypothesis was that the present outbreak of dengue was due to nosocomial infections. Our objectives were to illustrate epidemiological evidence for nosocomial dengue infections among THK workers and comparison of dengue incidence of hospital workers of wards that treat dengue patients with workers of other wards, to ascertain whether most nosocomial dengue incidences occur closer to where dengue patients are treated and vector larvae were detected, and to draw the attention of the medical community to the significance of hospital outbreaks, making suggestions on how to improve dengue preventive work at the THK. We calculated weekly dengue incidences for the hospital workers and for the surrounding Kandy district population, plotted epicurves, and compared them. We also compared these with the temporal changes of numbers of patients who were admitted for other illnesses and then diagnosed with dengue and the numbers of containers with vector mosquito larvae found on hospital premises. Dengue incidence of the hospital workers for the 24-week study period (2388 per 100000 population) was significantly high when compared to incidence of the district (151 per 100000 population). Peaks of dengue incidence in hospital workers, the numbers of patients hospitalized for other illnesses contracting dengue, and numbers of containers with vector larvae occurred in the same week. The peak dengue incidence of the Kandy district happened six weeks later. There was no evidence to indicate blood contact causing dengue among hospital workers. The outbreak was controlled while dengue was rising in the district. This evidence indicates a probable nosocomial dengue outbreak. This outbreak adversely affected hospital workers, patients, and the community. We propose some measures to prevent such outbreaks.
Strength Training Session Induces Important Changes on Physiological, Immunological, and Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Fortunato Ayla Karine , Pontes Washington Martins , De Souza Débora Maria Soares , Prazeres Jéssica Santos Ferreira , Marcucci-Barbosa Lucas Soares , Santos Júlia Miranda Mól , Veira Érica Leandro Marciano , Bearzoti Eduardo , Pinto Kelerson Mauro De Castro , Talvani André , Da Silva Albená Nunes
Published: June 2018

Strength exercise is a strategy applied in sports and physical training processes. It may induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The hypertrophy is dependent on the eccentric muscle actions and on the inflammatory response. Here, we evaluate the physiological, immunological, and inflammatory responses induced by a session of strength training with a focus on predominance of the eccentric muscle actions. Twenty volunteers were separated into two groups: the untrained group (UTG) and the trained group (TG). Both groups hold 4 sets of leg press, knee extensor, and leg curl at 65% of personal one-repetition maximum (1RM), 90 s of recovery, and 2″conc/3″eccen of duration of execution in each repetition. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after, 2 hours after, and 24 h after the end of the exercise session. The single session of strength training elevated the heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), visual analog scale (VAS), and lactate blood level in UTG and TG. Creatine kinase (CK) levels were higher at 2 and 24 h after the end of the exercise in UTG and, in TG, only at 24 h. The number of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils increased in UTG and TG, post and 2 h after exercise. Lymphocytes increased postexercise but reduced 2 h after exercise in both groups, while the number of monocytes increased only immediately after the exercise session in UTG and TG. The strength training session elevated the levels of apelin and fatty acid-binding proteins-3 (FABP3) in both groups and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in TG. The single exercise session was capable of inducing elevated HR, RPE, lactate level, and CK levels. This protocol changed the count/total number of circulating immune cells in both groups (UTG and TG) and also increased the level of plasmatic apelin, BDNF, and FLTS1 only in TG and FABP3 myokines in both groups.
Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control with Extended State Observer and Disturbance Compensation for Position Tracking of Electric Cylinder
Authors: Li Duoyang , Wang Junzheng
Published: June 2018

The position tracking problem of the electric cylinder, which has internal perturbation, external disturbance, and measurement noise of the output, is studied in this paper. A control method is proposed for achieving high tracking accuracy and tracking velocity for the wheel-legged robot application. Nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control is investigated to ensure that the system output can track the reference input in finite time. Besides, extended state observer (ESO) of the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is used to estimate the system lumped perturbation and compensated it in the controller based on the terminal sliding mode. This greatly reduces the chattering of the system caused by the gain of the sliding mode switch. Furthermore, tracking differentiator is designed to attenuate the output measurement noise. Simulation and experimental results illustrate that the NFTSM with ESO and TD algorithm, which is presented in this paper, has obvious superiority in the tracking precision and the antijam ability.
The Integration of Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ko Eric C. , Raben David , Formenti Silvia C.
Published: June 2018

Five-year survival rates for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) range from 14% to 49% for stage I to stage IIIA disease, and are <5% for stage IIIB/IV disease. Improvements have been made in the outcomes of patients with NSCLC due to advancements in radiotherapy (RT) techniques, the use of concurrent chemotherapy with RT, and the emergence of immunotherapy as first- and second-line treatment in the metastatic setting. RT remains the mainstay treatment in patients with inoperable early-stage NSCLC and is given concurrently or sequentially with chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable disease. There is emerging evidence that RT not only provides local tumor control but also may influence systemic control. Multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that RT induces immunomodulatory effects in the local tumor microenvironment, supporting a synergistic combination approach with immunotherapy to improve systemic control. Immunotherapy options that could be combined with RT include programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 blockers, as well as investigational agents such as OX-40 agonists, toll-like receptor agonists, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitors, and cytokines. Here, we describe the rationale for the integration of RT and immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC, present safety and efficacy data that support this combination strategy, review planned and ongoing studies, and highlight unanswered questions and future research needs.
Endoglin Expression on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulates Invasion and Stimulates Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Paauwe Madelon , Schoonderwoerd Mark J.A. , Helderman Roxan F.C.P. , Harryvan Tom J. , Groenewoud Arwin , van Pelt Gabi W. , Bor Rosalie , Hemmer Danielle M. , Versteeg Henri H. , Snaar-Jagalska B. Ewa , Theuer Charles P. , Hardwick James C.H. , Sier Cornelis F.M. , ten Dijke Peter , Hawinkels Lukas J.A.C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major component of the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment. CAFs play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis, partly through TGF-β signaling pathway. We investigated whether the TGF-β family coreceptor endoglin is involved in CAF-mediated invasion and metastasis.

Experimental Design:

CAF-specific endoglin expression was studied in colorectal cancer resection specimens using IHC and related to metastases-free survival. Endoglin-mediated invasion was assessed in vitro by transwell invasion, using primary colorectal cancer–derived CAFs. Effects of CAF-specific endoglin expression on tumor cell invasion were investigated in a colorectal cancer zebrafish model, whereas liver metastases were assessed in a mouse model.

Results:

CAFs specifically at invasive borders of colorectal cancer express endoglin and increased expression intensity correlated with increased disease stage. Endoglin-expressing CAFs were also detected in lymph node and liver metastases, suggesting a role in colorectal cancer metastasis formation. In stage II colorectal cancer, CAF-specific endoglin expression at invasive borders correlated with poor metastasis-free survival. In vitro experiments revealed that endoglin is indispensable for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9–induced signaling and CAF survival. Targeting endoglin using the neutralizing antibody TRC105 inhibited CAF invasion in vitro. In zebrafish, endoglin-expressing fibroblasts enhanced colorectal tumor cell infiltration into the liver and decreased survival. Finally, CAF-specific endoglin targeting with TRC105 decreased metastatic spread of colorectal cancer cells to the mouse liver.

Conclusions:

Endoglin-expressing CAFs contribute to colorectal cancer progression and metastasis. TRC105 treatment inhibits CAF invasion and tumor metastasis, indicating an additional target beyond the angiogenic endothelium, possibly contributing to beneficial effects reported during clinical evaluations.

See related commentary by Becker and LeBleu, p. 6110.
What Should a Gynecologist Know about Li-Fraumeni Syndrome? Lessons from a Patient Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications
Authors: Advolodkina Polina , Lachiewicz Mark P. , Oprea-Ilies Gabriela , Majmudar Bhagirath , Gordon Alan N.
Published: June 2018

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare highly penetrant cancer syndrome characterized by mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Recent data suggest that this germline mutation is more frequent than once thought. While LFS has not been associated previously with pelvic serous carcinoma, gynecologic malignancies have been reported in this patient population. We present the case report of a 37-year-old patient with known LFS and a history of multiple cancers who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications with incidental bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. On final pathology, she was found to have serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma of bilateral fallopian tubes. Our findings raise the question of the potential role of prophylactic gynecologic cancer-reducing surgery in this patient population.
An Observational Study Evaluating the Performance of LENT Score in the Selected Population of Malignant Pleural Effusion from Lung Adenocarcinoma in Singapore
Authors: Abisheganaden John , Verma Akash , Dagaonkar Rucha S. , Light Richard W.
Published: June 2018

Background: Patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) secondary to lung cancer have been associated with poor prognosis historically. LENT score developed to risk-stratify unselected patients with MPE predicts prognosis of < 6 months in patients with lung cancer. Objective: To assess the performance of LENT score in predicting prognosis in selected population of MPE secondary to lung adenocarcinoma alone. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients managed for MPE in the year 2012. Results: Seventy patients with lung adenocarcinoma presenting with MPE were studied. The median (range) LENT score at initial diagnosis was 5 (2–7), and the median survival 7.9 (0.13–40) months. Thirty-nine patients received epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs). The median LENT score and median survival was 4 (2–7) and 14.4 months, respectively, in this group. Those in high-risk category by LENT in this group (n = 19) had a median survival and 6-month survival of 17.4 months and 73.6%, respectively. Thirty-one patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy. The median LENT score and median survival was 5 (2–7) and 4.1 (0.13–34.3) months, respectively, in this group. The median survival and 6-month survival rate in patients in high-risk category and moderate-risk category by LENT score was 6.2 months and 52.7%, and 11.4 months and 70.5%, respectively. Conclusion: LENT score underestimates prognosis in patients having MPE secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. This disparity particularly applies to the lung adenocarcinoma patients carrying EGFR mutation. Hence, LENT score may not be applicable to, or may need modification before applying to such patients.
Pregnancies Following Hysteroscopic Removal of Retained Products of Conception after Delivery Versus Abortion
Authors: Ganer Herman Hadas , Kogan Zviya , Tairy Daniel , Ben Zvi Masha , Kerner Ram , Ginath Shimon , Bar Jacob , Sagiv Ron
Published: June 2018

Aim: To compare clinical variables, sonographic findings and pregnancy outcomes following the hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception (RPOC) after delivery and abortion. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort of operative hysteroscopies performed between 2011 and 2015 for suspected RPOC, during which trophoblastic tissue was obtained. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, sonographic evaluation, subsequent infertility and pregnancy outcomes were compared between post-delivery (n = 85) and post-abortion (n = 93) cases. Results: The main presenting symptom in both study groups was vaginal bleeding. On sonographic evaluation, maximal endometrial thickness was significantly higher in the post-delivery group, while irregularity and increased flow were more common in the post-abortion group. There was a similar rate of deliveries following hysteroscopy in both groups with 40% in the post-delivery group and 39.7% in the post-abortion group. Deliveries in the post-delivery group were characterized by a higher rate of abnormal placentation – 30.5% – including low lying placenta and placenta accreta. A significant rate of vaginal deliveries in both groups entailed manual removal of the placenta or exploration of the uterine cavity (23.5 and 10.5%, p = 0.20). Conclusion: Pregnancies following RPOC after delivery entail a higher rate of abnormal placentation.
Treatment of Active Crohn’s Disease with Exclusive and Partial Enteral Nutrition: A Pilot Study in Adults
Authors: Wall Catherine L. , Gearry Richard B. , Day Andrew S.
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim: Enteral nutrition (EN) is not commonly used for the treatment of adults with active Crohn’s disease (CD), despite patient interest in nutrition-based alternatives to corticosteroids and evidence of efficacy in paediatric CD. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of 2 different EN regimens on disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers in young adults with active CD. Methods: A prospective non-randomized pilot study of adults aged 16–40 years with active CD on endoscopy or imaging was undertaken. Patients were sequentially recruited to use 2 weeks of exclusive EN (EEN) followed by either 6 weeks of EEN or partial EN (PEN) with usual diet. Assessments of disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers were undertaken at baseline and throughout the treatment. Results: Thirty-eight patients with active disease were recruited. Thirty-two (84%) patients completed 2 weeks of EEN and had significant improvements in disease symptoms (p = 0.003), serum c-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.005), insulin-like growth factor-1 (p = 0.006) and faecal calprotectin (FC; p = 0.028). During the following 6 weeks, 21 patients continued EEN (14 [67%] completed treatment) and 11 patients used PEN (9 [82%] completed treatment). Initial improvements in symptoms, CRP and nutrition markers were sustained over the next 6 weeks on both treatments. FC non-significantly increased in 5 out of 9 patients who used PEN and at week 8 FC was greater than 500 µg/g in 9 out of 14 and 7 out of 9 patients who used exclusive or PEN respectively. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups at week 8. Conclusion: Two weeks of EEN significantly improved disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers. Further treatment with exclusive or PEN maintained initial improvements.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Infection: A General Overview
Authors: Medina Eva , Hartl Dominik
Published: June 2018

After initial infection, the immune response that serves to restrict the invading pathogen needs to be tightly calibrated in order to avoid collateral immunopathological damage. This calibration is performed by specialized suppressor mechanisms, which are capable of dampening overwhelming or unremitting inflammation in order to prevent tissue damage. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are emerging as key players in counter-balancing inflammatory responses and pathogenesis during infection. However, some pathogens are able to exploit the suppressive activities of MDSC to favor pathogen persistence and chronic infections. In this article, we review the current knowledge about the importance of MDSC in the context of bacterial, virus, parasites, and fungal infections.
The Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Elderly: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
Authors: Arnott Ian , Rogler Gerhard , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: June 2018

Data on the elderly population with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce, as this population is normally excluded from clinical trials. With an ageing population and an overall increasing prevalence of IBD; the incidence of IBD in elderly is rising. Comorbidities, wide differential diagnosis and polypharmacy make the diagnosis and management of the disease in elderly more challenging compared to that in younger adults. The knowledge of specific requirements for the management and treatment of IBD in advanced age may help in the framing of the definition of the appropriate care of this patient group. This manuscript reviews the most recent knowledge in the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of IBD in this population.
Optimal Timing of Removal of Epidural and Urethral Catheters to Avoid Postoperative Urinary Retention Undergoing Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Ueno Masaki , Kawai Manabu , Kuriyama Toshiyuki , Kawamata Tomoyuki , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most frequent complications of epidural anesthesia. This study aims to clarify risk factors of POUR and to estimate the appropriate timing of urethral catheter removal. Methods: Between September and December 2014, a retrospective cohort study was conducted on 120 patients who underwent epidural anesthesia and major abdominal surgery. To observe trends in incidence of POUR, we analyzed the order and interval of removal of epidural and urethral catheters using Cochran-Armitage trend test. Results: In this study, 40 patients were diagnosed with POUR (33.3%). Median removal of epidural catheters was 4 postoperative days in the POUR group and 3.5 postoperative days in the non-POUR group (p = 0.04). When the urethral catheter was removed before epidural catheter, incidence of POUR was comparatively greater (p < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in surgical fields, operation approach, epidural catheter levels, or epidural opioid use. No patients had urinary tract infections. Conclusion: We demonstrated that removal of urethral catheter before epidural catheter contributed to increasing trends in incidence of POUR. The optimal order and interval of removal of epidural and urethral catheters should be considered to avoid POUR after abdominal surgery.
Patterns of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Use in European Hemodialysis Patients: The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study
Authors: Fuller Douglas S. , Robinson Bruce M. , Locatelli Francesco , Pisoni Ronald L.
Published: June 2018

Background: Clinicians providing dialysis care have numerous erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) available for treating anemia. We sought to provide a contemporary description of ESA types used in hemodialysis (HD) settings in nine European countries. Methods: Our study uses Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase 5 (2012–2015) data from nine European countries (Belgium, France, ­Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom). A total of 164 facilities and 3,281 patients contributed cross-sectional data. ESA types captured included short-acting epoetins (e.g., epoetin alfa, beta, etc., including biosimilars), darbepoetin alfa, and continuous erythropoietin receptor agonist (CERA; methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta). Results: We observed broad variability across countries in prescription of ESA types: prescription of epoetin alfa or epoetin beta ranged from 22% (France) to 78% (Russia), darbepoetin alfa prescription ranged from 13% (Russia) to 53% (UK), and CERA prescription ranged from <3% (Sweden) to 26% (France). Prescription of different ESA types varied substantially within some European countries from 2012–2015 but not across all countries in aggregate. Number of ESA types prescribed by a facility varied from 1, 2, 3, or 4 different ESA types in 32, 40, 21, and 8% of facilities, respectively. No differences were seen in the unadjusted distributions of achieved hemoglobin values by ESA type. Conclusion: A variety of short- and long-acting ESAs are commonly used in European HD facilities to maintain hemoglobin at remarkably similar levels with each ESA type. The availability of numerous ESA options for managing anemia has allowed European providers to optimize anemia management according to the particular circumstances of each patient.
Age estimation through skeletochronology and mark-recapture of free-living Liolaemus leopardinus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) from Chile
Authors: Santoyo-Brito Enrique , Fox Stanley F. , Núñez Herman
Published: June 2018

Age estimation through skeletochronology and mark-recapture of free-living Liolaemus leopardinus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) from Chile. Age determination is a crucial component of ecological studies. Researchers have relied on different methods and techniques, for example mark-recapture, body size, and skeletochronology, to assess the age of free-ranging individuals. We used all three methods to estimate the age structure of a population of Liolaemus leopardinus, a highly social and saxicolous lizard species endemic to the temperate region of central Chile. This high-elevation and secretive species is considered threatened and, although efforts have been made to reveal more specifc details about the species’ natural history, crucial details of its biology are still unknown. Our goal was to associate the number of Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) to snout–vent length (SVL) and use LAGs as an age estimation proxy on free-ranging individuals. For the skeletochronology analyses, a combination of toe-clips was collected when each subject was frst captured in 2012–2013. SVL for all captured individuals was recorded during two different feld seasons (austral spring to fall of 2011–2012 and 2012–2013). SVL data were also available for 10 individuals initially collected and permanently marked in 2005 (one juvenile and nine adults) and recaptured in 2011–2012. Three of those 10 subjects were captured again in 2012–2013. Our results revealed the formation of LAGs in L. leopardinus and a high degree of bone remodeling in both juveniles and adults. This bone remodeling combined with the high rapprochement in peripheral LAGs on the samples of the oldest lizards suggest that phalangeal bones are not suitable for age determination in this species. On the other hand, our mark-recapture results allowed us to assign individuals to four different age-classes when a subject’s SVL was associated with activity periods and recaptures. Individuals of L. leopardinus are long-lived and their lifespan can exceed a decade. Female lizards become sexually mature at three to four years of age.
An acoustic and morphometric evaluation of the geographic distribution of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri (Anura: Phyllomedusidae), with comments on P. bahiana
Authors: Andrade Felipe Silva de , Haga Isabelle Aquemi , Carvalho Thiago Ribeiro de , Martins Lucas Borges , Giaretta Ariovaldo Antonio
Published: June 2018

An acoustic and morphometric evaluation of the geographic distribution of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri (Anura: Phyllomedusidae), with comments on P. bahiana. A recent study, based on phylogenetic and phylogeographic multilocus approaches, detected two evolutionary units (BUR and BUR-RJ) within the range of P. burmeisteri. BUR has a wide distribution, whereas BUR-RJ is restricted to a small area coincident with the Serra do Mar mountain range in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. We evaluate if acoustic and morphometric data support these two major clades within P. burmeisteri that were proposed using molecular evidence. We also provide for the frst time detailed morphometric data for adult males of P. burmeisteri (including topotypes) and the holotype of P. bahiana, and we revisit the comparative acoustic diagnosis between P. burmeisteri and P. bahiana. We were unable to distinguish BUR and BUR-RJ evolutionary units based on morphometric, acoustic or any other feature of external morphology or coloration. Given the high levels of similarity in morphometric and acoustic traits between P. burmeisteri and P. bahiana, these features appear not to be informative in the differentiation of the two sister species.
Escape behavior in gravid and non-gravid females of Gonatodes albogularis (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae)
Authors: Domínguez-López Moisés E. , Kacoliris Federico Pablo , Simoy María Verónica
Published: June 2018

Escape behavior in gravid and non-gravid females of Gonatodes albogularis (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae). Theoretical models of predator-prey relationships describe tradeoffs between energetic and other costs of escape, effectiveness of escape behavior, and predation risk. These models predict that an animal will fee when the expected ftness cost due to risk of predation becomes equal to the the cost of the escape or post-encounter ftness is maximized, depending on the model. In this framework, several individual and ecological variables have been shown to affect escape patterns, but the effect of reproductive status has been studied in few species. We assess differences in escape behavior between gravid and non-gravid females of Gonatodes albogularis. Lizards were surveyed by applying a free search method along independent transects. For each lizard, we determined reproductive status as gravid or non-gravid and recorded several variables related to escape behavior. We made a discriminant function analysis to see whether the state of individuals affect escape behavior. Our results show that the escape variables distance fed, the fnal distance and the distance to refuge differ between gravid and non-gravid females. These fndings support predictions based on risk and cost, but do not support models of fight initiation distance. Such differences could be related to a physiological process known as behavioral compensation, through which some individuals (gravid females in our case) modify their behavior to offset predation risk. Further studies are needed to see if behavioral compensation can be explained in terms of adaptive processes in G. albogularis.
Distribution and population status of Kingiodendron pinnatum (Angiosperms: Fabaceae) an endemic and endangered legume tree in southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India
Authors: Jose P. A. , Kuruvila Siju Tom , Binoy N. M.
Published: June 2018

An extensive survey and population analysis of the endemic and endangered tree Kingiodendron pinnatum, was carried out in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats. The aim was to assess the pattern of distribution, population size and natural regeneration of the species. The fragmented and patchy populations of the species are distributed in evergreen/semi evergreen habitats within an altitudinal range of 176-680m elevation. The tree attained a first layer/canopy species with a height range from 24–30m. Altogether 17 populations were identified and mapped in 13 forest locations in the region.  A total of 140 adult individuals of the species were enumerated within the 13 forest locations. Natural regeneration of the species recorded from three zones among the 13 forest locations covering 21,000m2 area representing the Kerala state.  The flowering trees displayed a height and dbh range of 10-30m and 85-320cm, respectively. The individuals are spatially arranged in aggregation among patchy populations. The populations are well represented by reproductive individuals with 77% and pre reproductive with 23%. Seedlings of 35.9% attained a height below 1m and 64.01% of a height above 1m. Considering the extent of distribution in the state, increase in the number of mature individuals (in addition to the enumerated area), and fair count of seedlings suggests a healthier conservation status of the species in the region. The economic and medicinal values, occurrence of isolated and fragmented populations, irregularities in the flowering and fruiting period among populations, however, extends urgent concerns over the pollination biology, detection of diverse genotypes subsequent multiplication and restoration of dwindling populations for the effective conservation and management of the species in situ.
Floristic enumeration of Torna Fort (Western Ghats, India): a storehouse of endemic plants
Authors: Nandikar Mayur D. , Giranje Priyanka T. , Jadhav Durga C.
Published: June 2018

The forts on hilltops of the Sahyadri (northern Western Ghats) have seen a turbulent historical past and are famous for their architectural style and cultural heritage.  Besides this, these hilltops are home to an incredible plant diversity.  One of the highest hilltop forts (ca. 1,403m) the Torna, has been explored since 2012 for floral assessment.  The study documented ca. 399 plant species of which about 28% are endemic to the Western Ghats and 16 monotypic species were recorded.  A brief account of the immense floristic diversity and new findings from Torna fort are summarized in the present article.
A taxonomic study of six species of the genus Junonia Hübner, [1819] (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from the northwestern Himalayan region in India
Authors: Mehra Deepika , Kirti Jagbir Singh , Sidhu Avtar Kaur
Published: June 2018

Characters of external genitalia are considered as one of the important criteria to understand the taxonomy of insects.  In the present study, various taxonomic characters of the male and female external genitalia and wing venation of six species under the genus Junonia Hübner viz., orythia (Linnaeus, 1758), iphita (Cramer, [1779]), almana (Linnaeus, 1758), lemonias (Linnaeus, 1758), hierta (Fabricius, 1798), atlites (Linnaeus, 1763), have been described and illustrated in detail.  Besides, brief diagnoses and identification keys based on external genitalia, morphological variations and taxonomic remarks have been given for all taxa.
Association of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion With Care Quality and Outcomes for Low-Income Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure
Authors: Wadhera Rishi K. , Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Zhao Xin , Heidenreich Paul A. , DeVore Adam D. , Matsouaka Roland A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Yancy Clyde W. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite advancement in the management of HF, outcomes remain suboptimal, particularly among the uninsured. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility, and millions of low-income adults gained insurance. Little is known about Medicaid expansion’s effect on inpatient HF care.

Methods and Results:

We used the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure registry to assess changes in inpatient care quality and outcomes among low-income patients (<65 years old) hospitalized for HF after Medicaid expansion, in expansion, and nonexpansion states. Patients were classified as low-income if covered by Medicaid, uninsured, or missing insurance. Expansion states were those that implemented expansion in 2014. Piecewise logistic multivariable regression models were constructed to track quarterly trends of quality and outcome measures in the pre (January 1, 2010–December 31, 2013) and postexpansion (January 1, 2014–June 30, 2017) periods. These measures were compared between expansion versus nonexpansion states during the postexpansion period. The cohort included 58 804 patients hospitalized across 391 sites. In states that expanded Medicaid, uninsured HF hospitalizations declined from 7.9% to 4.4%, and Medicaid HF hospitalizations increased from 18.3% to 34.6%. Defect-free HF care was increasing during the preexpansion period (adjusted odds ratio/quarter, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.08) but did not change after expansion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.02). Patterns were similar for other quality measures. There were no quality measures for which the rate of improvement sped up after expansion. In-hospital mortality rates remained similar during the preexpansion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.96–1.02) and postexpansion periods (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.03). Among nonexpansion states, uninsured HF hospitalizations increased (11.6% to 16.7%) as did Medicaid HF hospitalizations (17.9% to 26.6%), and no quarterly improvement was observed for most quality measures in the post compared with preexpansion period. During the postexpansion period, defect-free care and mortality did not differ between expansion and nonexpansion states.

Conclusions:

Medicaid expansion was associated with a significant decline in uninsured HF hospitalizations but not improvements in quality of care or in-hospital mortality among sites participating in a national quality improvement initiative. Efforts beyond insurance expansion are needed to improve in-hospital outcomes for low-income patients with HF.
Linoleic Acid in Adipose Tissue and Development of Ischemic Stroke: A Danish Case‐Cohort Study
Authors: Venø Stine Krogh , Bork Christian Sørensen , Jakobsen Marianne Uhre , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Bach Flemming Winther , Overvad Kim , Schmidt Erik Berg
Published: June 2018

Background

We investigated the association between the content of linoleic acid in adipose tissue, a biomarker of long‐term intake of linoleic acid, and the risk of ischemic stroke and its subtypes.

Methods and Results

The Danish cohort study Diet, Cancer and Health included 57 053 patients aged 50 to 65 years at enrollment. All participants had an adipose tissue biopsy performed at enrollment, while information on ischemic stroke during follow‐up was obtained from the Danish National Patient Register. Stroke diagnoses were all validated and classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (
TOAST
) classification. Cases and a randomly drawn subcohort of 3500 patients had their fatty acid composition in adipose tissue determined by gas chromatography. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using weighted Cox proportional hazard regression. During 13.5 years of follow‐up, 1879 ischemic stroke cases were identified, for which 1755 adipose biopsies were available, while adipose biopsies were available for 3203 participants in the subcohort. When comparing the highest and the lowest quartiles of adipose tissue content of linoleic acid there was a negative association with the rate of total ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.93) and large artery atherosclerosis (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.88), while there was an indication of a negative association with small‐vessel occlusion (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–1.11). There was no clear association with the rate of cardioembolism.

Conclusions

The content of linoleic acid in adipose tissue was inversely associated with the risk of total ischemic stroke and stroke caused by large artery atherosclerosis.
Anemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Associated With Poor Outcome and Death
Authors: Ayling Oliver G.S. , Ibrahim George M. , Alotaibi Naif M. , Gooderham Peter A. , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Anemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is common and potentially modifiable. Here, we first evaluate the effect of anemia on neurological outcome and death and second, study the effects of packed red blood cell transfusion on outcome.

Methods—

A secondary analysis on 413 subjects in the CONSCIOUS-1 study (Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological Ischemia and Infarction Occurring After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors for anemia and determined the effect of anemia on neurological outcome and death, while adjusting for selected covariates. Optimal predictive thresholds for hemoglobin levels were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Finally, patients were pseudorandomized to transfusion using propensity score matching to study the effect of transfusions on outcome.

Results—

Anemia, defined as hemoglobin <10 g/dL, was present in 5% of patients at presentation, in 29% of patients after aneurysm securing (days 1–3), and in 32% of patients during the peak delayed cerebral ischemia risk period (days 5–9). Anemia after aneurysm securing (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.59; P=0.03) and during the delayed cerebral ischemia window (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–4.76; P=0.0014) was independently associated with poor neurological outcome. Anemia postaneurysm securing (odds ratio, 3.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–10.62; P=0.027) but not during the delayed cerebral ischemia window was associated with death. Using propensity score-matched cohorts, we found that transfusion of anemic patients did not improve long-term outcome (P=0.8) or mortality rates (P=0.9). Transfusion of patients with a hemoglobin concentration >10 g/dL was associated with improved neurological outcomes (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.002–0.72; P=0.015), with no differences in mortality.

Conclusions—

Anemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with poor long-term neurological outcome and death. Transfusion of packed red blood cells is beneficial for patients who are not considerably anemic beforehand, suggesting further work needs to define the threshold but also the time period of anemia that is sufficient and necessary to contribute to poor outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00111085.
Durable Remains: Indigenous Materialisms in Duane Linklater: From Our Hands
Authors: Kisin Eugenia
Published: June 2018

This review essay addresses the complex significance of materiality in From Our Hands, a recent site-specific installation at New York City's 80WSE Gallery produced by Duane Linklater, an Omaskêko Cree artist from Northern Ontario. Situating Linklater's practice as an instance of indigenous institutional critique––an approach that re-functions postconceptual artistic strategies in accordance with the distinct aesthetic, political, and ontological concerns of colonized native populations––the essay examines the ways in which such work might disable longstanding assumptions at a moment when indigenous contemporary art is receiving increased attention. In addition to materiality, the text focuses on a group of qualities with similarly ambiguous meaning; these include durability, “leakiness,” and sincerity. Against the fetishizing or abstracting tendencies of much “new materialist” discourse, it argues that practices like Linklater's enable a more nuanced understanding of environmental racism, nonhuman or transhuman ontologies, and cultural economies organized around indigenous, non-capitalist forms of labor and kinship. Please see the full article at artmargins.com .
Modular patterns in behavioural evolution: webs derived from orbs
Authors: Eberhard William G.
Published: June 2018

Imperfect knowledge of ancestral behaviour often hampers tracing behavioural evolution. This limitation is reduced in orb weaving spiders, because spider orb web construction behaviour and the cues used by modern orb-weavers are well-studied and highly conserved. Several species in orb-weaving families build non-orb webs that are clearly derived from orbs, allowing transitions from ancestral to modern behaviours to be described with high confidence. Three major patterns of general evolutionary significance were found in 69 phylogenetically independent transitions in 15 groups in 8 families: ancestral traits were often maintained as units; the most frequent of the eight different types of ancestral trait change was transfer of an ancestral behaviour to a new context; and ‘new’ traits that had no clear homology with ancestral traits were also common. Changes occurred in all major stages of orb construction. This may be the most extensive summary of evolutionary transitions in behaviour yet compiled.
Litylenchus crenatae n. sp. (Tylenchomorpha: Anguinidae), a leaf gall nematode parasitising Fagus crenata Blume
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Ichihara Yu , Aikawa Takuya , Ekino Taisuke , Masuya Hayato
Published: June 2018

Litylenchus crenatae n. sp., isolated from leaf galls of Fagus crenata from Japan, is described and figured. The new species is characterised by its dimorphism in adult females, six (or more) lateral lines, a more or less pointed tail tip in both sexes, male bursa arising posteriorly and reaching to near tail tip, presence of a quadricolumella and a post-uterine sac in females. Litylenchus crenatae n. sp. is distinguished from its only congener, L. coprosma, by the number of lateral lines, six or more vs four; the lip morphology, offset with very shallow constriction or dome-shaped without clear constriction vs clearly offset; tail tip morphology, more or less pointed vs blunt; and structure of the median bulb, weakly muscular with a clear valve vs not muscular with an obscure valve. The molecular phylogenetic analysis confirms that the new species is close to, but clearly different from, L. coprosma.
Floral Arrangements: Compilations of Saints’ Lives in Early Modern Europe
Authors: Greenwood Jonathan E.
Published: June 2018

Flores sanctorum (Flowers of the Saints, hereafter flowers) were a uniquely Iberian genre immersed in European efforts to collect the lives of saints and then arrange them according to the liturgical year. Although one of the first books printed in Spain, the genre went into decline by the mid-sixteenth century due to ongoing Inquisitorial censure. Flowers, however, grew again thanks to Alonso de Villegas and later Pedro de Ribadeneyra. This duo’s use of the liturgy resulted in the differentiation between the saints in the Breviary and the extravagantes (wanderers), holy persons wandering outside of the official calendar prepared by the Roman Church. To cultivate their flowers, Villegas and Ribadeneyra relied on metaphrasis, a method started by Symeon Metaphrastes, a Byzantine cleric and wanderer from the tenth century. While thoroughly Iberian, flowers extended beyond the Peninsula to incorporate practices from the Catholic and Eastern churches.