bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling by Intratumoral Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Enhances the Efficacy of Immune-Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Chon Hong Jae , Lee Won Suk , Yang Hannah , Kong So Jung , Lee Na Keum , Moon Eun Sang , Choi Jiwon , Han Eun Chun , Kim Joo Hoon , Ahn Joong Bae , Kim Joo Hang , Kim Chan
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Cancer immunotherapy is a potent treatment modality, but its clinical benefit depends on the tumor's immune profile. Here, we used mJX-594 (JX), a targeted and GM-CSF–armed oncolytic vaccinia virus, as a strategy to remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) and subsequently increase sensitivity to αPD-1 and/or αCTLA-4 immunotherapy.

Experimental Design:

The remodeling of the TME was determined using histologic, flow-cytometric, and NanoString immune profiling analyses. JX was intratumorally injected into implanted Renca kidney tumors or MMTV-PyMT transgenic mouse breast cancers with or without αPD-1 and/or αCTLA-4. Various combination regimens were used to evaluate immunotherapeutic anticancer responses.

Results:

Intratumoral injection of JX remodeled the TME through dynamic changes in the immune system, as shown by increased tumor-infiltrating T cells and upregulation of immune-related gene signatures. This remodeling induced conversion of a noninflamed tumor into an inflamed tumor. JX virotherapy led to enhanced abscopal effects in distant tumors, with increased intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells. A depletion study revealed that GM-CSF is an indispensable regulator of anticancer efficacy of JX. Dual-combination therapy with intratumoral JX and systemic αPD-1 or αCTLA-4 further enhanced the anticancer immune response, regardless of various treatment schedules. Of note, triple combination immunotherapy with JX, αPD-1, and αCTLA-4 elicited the most potent anticancer immunity and induced complete tumor regression and long-term overall survival.

Conclusions:

Our results show that intratumoral JX treatment induces dramatic remodeling of the TME and more potently suppresses cancer progression with immune-checkpoint blockades by overcoming resistance to immunotherapy.
Identification and Characterization of Synthetic Viability with ERCC1 Deficiency in Response to Interstrand Crosslinks in Lung Cancer
Authors: Heyza Joshua R. , Lei Wen , Watza Donovan , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Back Jessica B. , Schwartz Ann G. , Bepler Gerold , Patrick Steve M.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

ERCC1/XPF is a DNA endonuclease with variable expression in primary tumor specimens, and has been investigated as a predictive biomarker for efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy. The failure of clinical trials utilizing ERCC1 expression to predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy suggests additional mechanisms underlying the basic biology of ERCC1 in the response to interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) remain unknown. We aimed to characterize a panel of ERCC1 knockout (Δ) cell lines, where we identified a synthetic viable phenotype in response to ICLs with ERCC1 deficiency.

Experimental Design:

We utilized the CRISPR-Cas9 system to create a panel of ERCC1Δ lung cancer cell lines which we characterized.

Results:

We observe that loss of ERCC1 hypersensitizes cells to cisplatin when wild-type (WT) p53 is retained, whereas there is only modest sensitivity in cell lines that are p53mutant/null. In addition, when p53 is disrupted by CRISPR-Cas9 (p53*) in ERCC1Δ/p53WT cells, there is reduced apoptosis and increased viability after platinum treatment. These results were recapitulated in 2 patient data sets utilizing p53 mutation analysis and ERCC1 expression to assess overall survival. We also show that kinetics of ICL-repair (ICL-R) differ between ERCC1Δ/p53WT and ERCC1Δ/p53* cells. Finally, we provide evidence that cisplatin tolerance in the context of ERCC1 deficiency relies on DNA-PKcs and BRCA1 function.

Conclusions:

Our findings implicate p53 as a potential confounding variable in clinical assessments of ERCC1 as a platinum biomarker via promoting an environment in which error-prone mechanisms of ICL-R may be able to partially compensate for loss of ERCC1.

See related commentary by Friboulet et al., p. 2369
Hyperglycemia, Classified with Multiple Biomarkers Simultaneously in Men without Diabetes, and Risk of Fatal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Marrone Michael T. , Selvin Elizabeth , Barber John R. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Joshu Corinne E.
Published: December 2018

The association between hyperglycemia and prostate cancer risk is inconsistent, and its association with prostate cancer mortality is understudied. Thus, we investigated the association between hyperglycemia and prostate cancer risk and mortality using multiple biomarkers simultaneously to classify hyper- and normoglycemia. We conducted a prospective analysis of 5,162 cancer-free men attending visit 2 (1990–1992) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study followed for total (N = 671) and lethal (N = 69) prostate cancer incidence and prostate cancer mortality (N = 64) through 2012. Men without diagnosed diabetes were classified as normo- or hyperglycemic using joint categories of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin (or fructosamine) defined by clinical or research cutpoints. We evaluated the multivariable-adjusted association of hyperglycemia with prostate cancer incidence and mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression; men with diagnosed diabetes were included as a separate exposure category. Among 4,753 men without diagnosed diabetes, 61.5% were classified as having hyperglycemia (high on ≥1 biomarker). HbA1c and glycated albumin together classified 61.9% of 1,736 men with normal fasting glucose as normoglycemic. Compared with men who were normal on all three biomarkers, men who were high on ≥1 biomarker had an increased risk of lethal [HR, 2.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–5.58] and fatal (HR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.26–8.48) disease, but not total prostate cancer incidence (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81–1.20); associations were similar including fructosamine instead of glycated albumin. Our findings indicate hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk of lethal and fatal prostate cancer, but not total prostate cancer incidence.
Case-only Methods Identified Genetic Loci Predicting a Subgroup of Men with Reduced Risk of High-grade Prostate Cancer by Finasteride
Authors: Dai James Y. , LeBlanc Michael , Goodman Phyllis J. , Lucia M. Scott , Thompson Ian M. , Tangen Catherine M.
Published: December 2018

In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), genotypes that may modify the effect of finasteride on the risk of prostate cancer have not been identified. Germline genetic data from 1,157 prostate cancer cases in PCPT were analyzed by case-only methods. Genotypes included 357 SNPs from 83 candidate genes in androgen metabolism, inflammation, circadian rhythm, and other pathways. Univariate case-only analysis was conducted to evaluate whether individual SNPs modified the finasteride effect on the risk of high-grade and low-grade prostate cancer. Case-only classification trees and random forests, which are powerful machine learning methods with resampling-based controls for model complexity, were employed to identify a predictive signature for genotype-specific treatment effects. Accounting for multiple testing, a single SNP in SRD5A1 gene (rs472402) significantly modified the finasteride effect on high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score > 6) in PCPT (family-wise error rate < 0.05). Men carrying GG genotype at this locus had a 55% reduction of the risk in developing high-grade cancer when assigned to finasteride (RR = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.75). Additional effect-modifying SNPs with moderate statistical significance were identified by case-only trees and random forests. A prediction model built by the case-only random forest method with 28 selected SNPs classified 37% of PCPT men to have reduced risk of high-grade prostate cancer when taking finasteride, while the others have increased risk. In conclusion, case-only methods identified SNPs that modified the effect of finasteride on the risk of high-grade prostate cancer and predicted a subgroup of men who had reduced cancer risk by finasteride.
Gene Expression Profiles of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Endothelin-1 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ugur Kadriye Serife , Acar Muradiye , Ozol Duygu , Dagli Elif , Oznur Murat , Kosus Aydin , Gunduz Mehmet
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between the gene expression profiles of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and endothelin (EDN)-1 and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary-care academic center; 108 patients with snoring and day-time sleeplessness were included in this study carried out in the Otolaryngology Department. All patients were evaluated with 1-night polysomnography (PSG). There were 63 patients with OSA and 45 patients without OSA. In the OSA group, the median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.1; in the non-OSA group, the median AHI was 2.1. Blood samples were obtained from all 108 patients for the genetic analysis of the expression of TNF-α and EDN-1. PSG findings and gene expression levels were evaluated in both groups. Results: The median (range) age was 46 (20–81) years, BMI 24.9 (15–49), EDN-1 gene expression 0.45 (0.02–67.88) pg/µL, and TNF-α gene expression 1.71 (0.08–59.52) pg/µL. We found that EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were significantly higher in the OSA group than in the control group (p = 0.009 vs. p < 0.001). Conclusion: EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were associated with the occurrence of OSA.
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for Bilateral Eagle Syndrome
Authors: Montevecchi Filippo , Caranti Alberto , Cammaroto Giovanni , Meccariello Giuseppe , Vicini Claudio
Published: December 2018

Eagle syndrome is a rare and poorly understood clinical condition caused by an elongated or disfigured styloid process. The possible managements of Eagle syndrome include conservative medical treatment or surgical intervention. The surgical removal of the elongated styloid process may be efficiently achieved either by an intraoral or a transcervical approach. An effective styloidectomy may be either total or partial, provided the bony residue’s length is within the range of normality. Here, we report our experience with a bilateral robotic-assisted styloidectomy in a young female patient. Our experience showed that this procedure is a safe alternative to traditional surgical approaches, granting an excellent view and a safe manipulation by robotic arms, and, thereby, avoiding iatrogenic damage to neurovascular structures. Moreover, transoral robotic surgery could represent the gold standard for the treatment of bilateral Eagle syndrome cases allowing a quick and safe single-time surgery.
The Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality-Based Tai Chi Exercise on Cognitive and Physical Function in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hsieh Chih-Chin , Lin Pay-Shin , Hsu Wen-Chuin , Wang Jong-Shyan , Huang Yu-Chen , Lim Ai-Yin , Hsu Ya-Chuan
Published: December 2018

Background: Tai Chi (TC) is a Chinese mind-body exercise with proven physical and psychological benefits. A modified TC via virtual reality (VR) may be suitable for the elderly owing to the immediate guidance and feedback regarding movement accuracy. This study explored the cognitive and physical effects of a VR-based TC (VRTC) exercise program on older adults with cognitive impairment (CI). Methods: Sixty older adults with CI were cluster-assigned to either the VRTC or the control group; the intervention was conducted twice weekly for 6 months. Outcomes included cognitive and physical functions. The movement accuracy score and attendance were recorded. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Adjusted GEE analysis showed significant interaction effects in the 6-min walk test, 30-s sit-to-stand test, functional reach, 5-m gait speed, and abstract thinking and judgment. Overall, medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.50–0.82) were found in favor of the VRTC group. The average movement accuracy score in the first 3 months significantly predicted improvement in cognitive performance (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The VRTC exercise posed a protective effect for some cognitive and physical functions in older adults with CI. The more engaging the program, the greater the improvement in the cognitive performance.
Individualized Hemodialysis Treatment: A Perspective on Residual Kidney Function and Precision Medicine in Nephrology
Authors: Hur Inkyong , Lee Yong Kyu , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Obi Yoshitsugu
Published: December 2018

Background: Residual kidney function (RKF) is often expected to inevitably and rapidly decline among hemodialysis patients and, hence, has been inadvertently ignored in clinical practice. The importance of RKF has been revisited in some recent studies. Given that patients with end-stage renal disease now tend to initiate maintenance hemodialysis therapy with higher RKF levels, there seem to be important opportunities for incremental hemo­dialysis by individualizing the dose and frequency according to their RKF levels. This approach is realigned with precision medicine and patient-centeredness. Summary: In this article, we first review the available methods to estimate RKF among hemodialysis patients. We then discuss the importance of maintaining and monitoring RKF levels based on a variety of clinical aspects, including volume overload, blood pressure control, mineral and bone metabolism, nutrition, and patient survival. We also review several potential measures to protect RKF: the use of high-flux and biocompatible membranes, the use of ultrapure dialysate, the incorporation of hemodiafiltration, incremental hemodialysis, and a low-protein diet, as well as general care such as avoiding nephrotoxic events, maintaining appropriate blood pressure, and better control of mineral and bone disorder parameters. Key Message: Individualized hemodialysis regimens may maintain RKF, lead to a better quality of life without compromising long-term survival, and ensure precision medicine and patient-centeredness in nephrology practice.
Type I Interferons: Distinct Biological Activities and Current Applications for Viral Infection
Authors: Li Shi-fang , Gong Mei-jiao , Zhao Fu-rong , Shao Jun-jun , Xie Yin-li , Zhang Yong-guang , Chang Hui-yun
Published: December 2018

The interferons (IFNs) are a primary defense against pathogens because of the strong antiviral activities they induce. IFNs can be classified into three groups: type I, type II and type III, according to their genetic, structural, and functional characteristics and their receptors on the cell surface. The type I IFNs are the largest group and include IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-ε, IFN-ω, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-τ and IFN-ζ. The use of IFNs for the treatment of viral infectious diseases on their antiviral activity may become an important therapeutic option, for example, IFN-α is well known for the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C virus infections, and interest is increasing in the antiviral efficacy of other novel IFN classes and their potential applications. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the recent progress in the study of the biological activities of all the type I IFN classes and their potential applications in the treatment of infections with immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis viruses, and influenza viruses.
Resveratrol Ameliorates Lipid Droplet Accumulation in Liver Through a SIRT1/ ATF6-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Rui , Yi Long , Ye Xikun , Zeng Xianglong , Liu Kai , Qin Yu , Zhang Qianyong , Mi Mantian
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that store neutral lipids during times of energy excess, and an increased accumulation of LDs in the liver is closely linked to hepatic steatosis. Our previous studies suggested that resveratrol (RSV) supplement could improve hepatic steatosis, but the underlying mechanism, particularly which related to LD accumulation, has not yet been elucidated. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) and palmitic acid were used to induce hepatic steatosis in mouse liver and hepatocytes, respectively. The effects of RSV on LD accumulation were analyzed in vivo and in vitro. The effects of RSV on the expression levels of LD-associated genes (ATF6, Fsp27β/CIDEC, CREBH, and PLIN1) were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot assays, followed by KD or overexpression of SIRT1 and ATF6 with small interfering RNAs or overexpressed plasmids, respectively. The dual luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assay were utilized to clarify the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and possible interaction between SIRT1 and ATF6. Results: There was a significant increase in the accumulation of LDs in liver and hepatocytes during the process of HFD-induced steatosis, respectively, which was significantly inhibited by RSV supplementation. RSV notably activated SIRT1 expression and decreased the expression levels of ATF6, Fsp27β/CIDEC, CREBH, and PLIN1, which are associated with LD accumulation. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of RSV on LD accumulation and the associated expression of genes in hepatocytes were abrogated or strengthened with SIRT1 silencing or overexpression, respectively. On the contrary, the benefits of RSV in hepatocytes were eliminated or aggravated when transfected with the overexpressed ATF6 or ATF6 siRNA, respectively. Furthermore, we found that RSV stimulated SIRT1 expression significantly, which was followed by increased deacetylation and inactivation of ATF6, resulting in a positive feedback loop for SIRT1 transcription associated with ATF6 binding to the SIRT1 promoter region. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings indicate that RSV supplementation improves hepatic steatosis by ameliorating the accumulation of LDs, and this might be partially mediated by a SIRT1/ATF6-dependent mechanism.
The Influence of Sleep Apnea on 24-Hour and Nocturnal ECG and Blood Pressure Parameters in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Frigy Attila , Varga Irma , Fogarasi Zoltán , Belényi Boglárka , Kocsis Ildikó
Published: December 2018

Objective: To investigate the influence of sleep apnea (SA) on ECG and blood pressure (BP) monitoring parameters in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: A total of 51 hospitalized patients with AHF (13 women, 38 men, mean age 60.8 years) underwent 24-hour combined monitoring of ECG and BP and SA testing before discharge. Heart rhythm (mean heart rate, arrhythmias, pauses, QT interval, heart rate variability) and BP (mean systolic and diastolic values, variability, circadian variation) parameters were obtained for the whole day and for nighttime (22: 00–06: 00). Depending on SA severity, the patients were divided into two groups (respiratory event index, REI, < 15/h and ≥15/h). Comparisons of parameters between the two groups were performed using t test and χ2 test (alpha < 0.05 for significance). Results: A total of 29 (56.9%) patients had REI ≥15/h. In this group, the systolic and diastolic BP values (24-hour and nighttime) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). BP variability did not differ, and a markedly blunted circadian variation of both the systolic and diastolic values was observed. In the group with REI ≥15/h, we found a higher nocturnal versus diurnal mean heart rate ratio (p = 0.046) and a greater occurrence of nocturnal versus diurnal ventricular premature beats (p = 0.0098). Conclusion: The presence of significant SA was found to influence the BP values and nocturnal ventricular ectopy in patients with stabilized AHF. SA, 24-hour ECG, and BP monitoring could provide important information with potential impact on patient management.
Two new species of Novantinoe (Disteniini, Disteniidae), two new species of Eurysthea (Elaphidiini, Cerambycinae, Cerambycidae), and new geographical records
Authors: Botero Juan Pablo , Heffern Daniel , Santos-Silva Antonio
Published: December 2018

Two new species of Novantinoe from Mexico, N. oaxaquena and N. fabiolae; and two new species of Eurysthea, E. nogueirai, from Mexico, and E. nakagomei from Colombia are described. Furthermore, geographical distributions of three species are expanded.
Relações de gênero e a Revista Brasileira de Geografia: expressões da tradição geográfica nacional (1939-2005)
Authors: César Tamires Regina Aguiar de Oliveira , Pinto Vagner André Morais
Published: December 2018

O artigo possui por finalidade ressaltar as implicações das relações de gênero no contexto científico geográfico brasileiro, a partir da tradicionalíssima Revista Brasileira de Geografia (RBG). Foi adotada uma perspectiva epistemológica pautada na ciência enquanto um campo de poder instituído sob regulamentações, hierarquias, e tensionamentos. O universo de dados analisados consistiu em 723 artigos publicados em 222 edições disponíveis on line do periódico, durante o período 1939-2005. Variáveis destes artigos (título do artigo, ano, nome do autor(es), sexo, procedência institucional, dentre outras) foram armazenadas em um banco de dados do pacote LibreOffice. Os dados evidenciam a tardia e relativamente baixa representatividade das mulheres em termos de publicações naquela que foi a principal estante da Geografia Brasileira.
Identification of Common and Rare Genetic Variation Associated With Plasma Protein Levels Using Whole-Exome Sequencing and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Solomon Terry , Lapek John D. , Jensen Søren Beck , Greenwald William W. , Hindberg Kristian , Matsui Hiroko , Latysheva Nadezhda , Braekken Sigrid K. , Gonzalez David J. , Frazer Kelly A. , Smith Erin N. , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: December 2018

Background:

Identifying genetic variation associated with plasma protein levels, and the mechanisms by which they act, could provide insight into alterable processes involved in regulation of protein levels. Although protein levels can be affected by genetic variants, their estimation can also be biased by missense variants in coding exons causing technical artifacts. Integrating genome sequence genotype data with mass spectrometry-based protein level estimation could reduce bias, thereby improving detection of variation that affects RNA or protein metabolism.

Methods:

Here, we integrate the blood plasma protein levels of 664 proteins from 165 participants of the Tromsø Study, measured via tandem mass tag mass spectrometry, with whole-exome sequencing data to identify common and rare genetic variation associated with peptide and protein levels (protein quantitative trait loci [pQTLs]). We additionally use literature and database searches to prioritize putative functional variants for each pQTL.

Results:

We identify 109 independent associations (36 protein and 73 peptide) and use genotype data to exclude 49 (4 protein and 45 peptide) as technical artifacts. We describe 2 particular cases of rare variation: 1 associated with the complement pathway and 1 with platelet degranulation. We identify putative functional variants and show that pQTLs act through diverse molecular mechanisms that affect both RNA and protein metabolism.

Conclusions:

We show that although the majority of pQTLs exert their effects by modulating RNA metabolism, many affect protein levels directly. Our work demonstrates the extent by which pQTL studies are affected by technical artifacts and highlights how prioritizing the functional variant in pQTL studies can lead to insights into the molecular steps by which a protein may be regulated.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score and EuroSCORE-2 Appropriately Assess 30-Day Postoperative Mortality in the STICH Trial and a Contemporary Cohort of Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Surgical Revascularization
Authors: Bouabdallaoui Nadia , Stevens Susanna R. , Doenst Torsten , Petrie Mark C. , Al-Attar Nawwar , Ali Imtiaz S. , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Barton Anna K. , Cartier Raymond , Cherniavsky Alexander , Demondion Pierre , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Favaloro Robert R. , Gradinac Sinisa , Heinisch Petra , Jain Anil , Jasinski Marek , Jouan Jerome , Kalil Renato A.K. , Menicanti Lorenzo , Michler Robert E. , Rao Vivek , Smith Peter K. , Zembala Marian , Velazquez Eric J. , Al-Khalidi Hussein R. , Rouleau Jean L. ,   for the STICH Trial Investigators
Published: December 2018

Background:

The STICH trial (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) demonstrated a survival benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score and the EuroSCORE-2 (ES2) are used for risk assessment in cardiac surgery, with little information available about their accuracy in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. We assessed the ability of the STS score and ES2 to evaluate 30-day postoperative mortality risk in STICH and a contemporary cohort (CC) of patients with a left ventricle ejection fraction ≤35% undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting outside of a trial setting.

Methods and Results:

The STS and ES2 scores were calculated for 814 STICH patients and 1246 consecutive patients in a CC. There were marked variations in 30-day postoperative mortality risk from 1 patient to another. The STS scores consistently calculated lower risk scores than ES2 (1.5 versus 2.9 for the CC and 0.9 versus 2.4 for the STICH cohort), and underestimated postoperative mortality risk. The STS and ES2 scores had moderately good C statistics: CC (0.727, 95% CI: 0.650–0.803 for STS, and 0.707, 95% CI: 0.620–0.795 for ES2); STICH (0.744, 95% CI: 0.677–0.812, for STS and 0.736, 95% CI: 0.665–0.808 for ES2). Despite the CC patients having higher STS and ES2 scores than STICH patients, mortality (3.5%) was lower than that of STICH (4.8%), suggesting a possible decrease in postoperative mortality over the past decade.

Conclusions:

The 30-day postoperative mortality risk of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with left ventricular dysfunction varies markedly. Both the STS and ES2 score are effective in evaluating risk, although the STS score tend to underestimate risk.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Unique identifier: NCT00023595.
Association Between Regional Adipose Tissue Distribution and Risk of Heart Failure Among Blacks
Authors: Pandey Ambarish , Kondamudi Nitin , Patel Kershaw V. , Ayers Colby , Simek Shawn , Hall Michael E. , Musani Solomon K. , Blackshear Chad , Mentz Robert J. , Khan Hassan , Terry James G. , Correa Adolfo , Butler Javed , Neeland Ian J. , Berry Jarett D.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Obesity is highly prevalent among blacks and is associated with a greater risk of heart failure (HF). However, the contribution of regional adiposity depots such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue toward risk of HF in blacks is unknown.

Methods and Results:

We included 2602 participants (mean age: 59 years, 35% men) from the Jackson Heart Study without prevalent HF who underwent computed tomography quantification of VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue during the second visit (2005–2009). The associations between different adiposity measures and HF were evaluated using adjusted Cox models. There were 122 incident HF events over a median follow-up of 7.1 years. Higher amounts of VAT were associated with greater risk of HF in age- and sex-adjusted analyses (hazard ratio [95% CI] per 1-SD higher VAT: 1.29 [1.09–1.52]). This association was attenuated and not significant after additional adjustment for traditional HF risk factors and body mass index. Overall obesity, represented by body mass index, was associated with higher risk of HF independent of risk factors and VAT (hazard ratio [95% CI] per 1-kg/m
2
higher body mass index: 1.06 [1.02–1.11]). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was not associated with risk of HF in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions:

In a community-dwelling black population, higher amounts of overall and visceral adiposity are associated with higher risk of HF. The association between VAT and HF risk in blacks may reflect differences in traditional HF risk factor burden. Future studies are needed to confirm this observation and clarify the independent role of different measures of adiposity on HF outcomes.
Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Cassese Salvatore , Wolf Florian , Ingwersen Maja , Kinstner Christian M. , Fusaro Michele , Ndrepepa Gjin , Ibrahim Tareq , Ott Ilka , Lammer Johannes , Krankenberg Hans , Fusaro Massimiliano
Published: December 2018

Background:

The optimal revascularization therapy for in-stent restenosis (ISR) of femoropopliteal arteries represents a matter of debate. We investigated the outcomes of patients treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for ISR of femoropopliteal arteries.

Methods and Results:

Patient-level data from 3 randomized trials of DCB angioplasty for ISR of femoropopliteal arteries were pooled. The primary outcome was target lesion revascularization. The main secondary outcome was recurrent ISR. Other outcomes of interest were ipsilateral amputation, death, Rutherford class improvement, and ankle-brachial index at follow-up. A total of 263 patients randomly assigned to DCB (n=133) or plain balloon angioplasty (n=130) were included in the analysis. After a follow-up of 12 months, patients treated with DCB angioplasty displayed a lower risk for target lesion revascularization (hazard ratio [95% CIs]: 0.25 [0.14–0.46];
P
<0.001) and recurrent ISR (0.19 [0.10–0.35];
P
<0.001) as compared with those treated with plain balloon angioplasty. There was no significant interaction between the treatment effect for target lesion revascularization and high-risk subgroups of patients such as those with diabetes mellitus, longer lesions, small vessels, moderate to severe underlying calcification, and occlusive pattern of ISR. DCB and plain balloon angioplasty were comparable with respect to other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

In case of femoropopliteal ISR, the percutaneous treatment with DCB angioplasty is associated with superior clinical and antirestenotic efficacy as compared with plain balloon angioplasty at 1-year follow-up, without attrition of efficacy in high-risk subgroups of patients. The long-term durability of DCB angioplasty in this setting remains to be further investigated.
Two new species of Elwendia (Apiaceae) from Uzbekistan
Authors: KLJUYKOV EUGENE , UKRAINSKAJA ULIANA , LYSKOV DMITRY
Published: December 2018

Two new species of Apiaceae are described as new to science, Elwendia bucharica from the Hissar Range (Pamir-Alay) and E. ugamica from the Ugom Range (Western Tian-Shan). Both species are related to E. capusii. Elwendia bucharica is distinguished by the short terminal lobes of leaves, number of bracts, shape of pedicels, and number of secretory ducts in petals. Elwendia ugamica is distinguished by the short terminal lobes of stem leaves, terminal umbels of lateral branches, shape of stylopods, and shape of styles.
Checklist of the spiders (Araneae) of Canada and Alaska
Authors: PAQUIN PIERRE , BUCKLE DONALD J. , DUPÉRRÉ NADINE , DONDALE CHARLES D.
Published: December 2018

This checklist records the occurrence of 1413 species of spiders (Araneae) in 43 families in Canada and Alaska. Distributions of species are given by state, territory and province. Each species name is presented in its original combination, followed by primary synonyms, if any. The list is dominated by members of the family Linyphiidae (39.5% of total species). Highest numbers of species are recorded for Ontario (746), British Columbia (700) and Québec (677). We record 69 species that are thought to be introduced from elsewhere and 321 that are known in the Palaearctic.
A redescription of Metopa species (Amphipoda, Stenothoidae) based on the type material. 3. Natural History Museum, Oslo (NHM)
Authors: TANDBERG ANNE HELENE S.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents redescriptions of 14 species of the genus Metopa (Stenothoidae) based on the type-collections at the Natural History Museum in Oslo. Type (syntype/holotype) material of Metopa aequicornis, M.borealis, M.leptocarpa, M.palmata, M. propinqua, M. pusilla, M. robusta and M. tenuimana was dissected and examined morphologically. Material from the original authors of M. affinis, M. boeckii, M. invalida, M. longicornis and M. sinuata was also examined morphologically, in addition to Sars’ material of M. alderi, including his type material of the later synonymized M. spectabilis. All species are redescribed using line drawings, and comparisons with the original texts and figures. For the species M. invalida, M. palmata, M. robusta and M. sinuata there are morphologic characters that indicate that they in fact do not belong to the Metopa s str, but any possible changes in classification are postponed pending a phylogenetic analysis of the genera Metopa and Stenula has been performed. A summary of the other species having earlier been designed to Metopa in the Oslo collections is given, with a list of their present taxonomic placing.
Revision of the Scirtes flavoguttatus species-group (Coleoptera: Scirtidae: Scirtinae)
Authors: YOSHITOMI HIROYUKI , RUTA RAFAŁ
Published: December 2018

Scirtes flavoguttatus Champion and allied species (flavoguttatus species-group in this paper) are revised. In total 38 species are recognized including 23 new species; Scirtes balehensis sp. n. (Borneo), S. bidentatus sp. n. (Borneo), S. brancuccii sp. n. (Laos); S. cameroni sp. n. (Malausian Penins.), S. chiangmaiensis sp. n. (Thailand), S. curvans sp. n. (Mindanao), S. kodadai sp. n. (Borneo), S. laosensis sp. n. (Laos), S. malaccanus sp. n. (Malayan Penins.), S. malcolmi sp. n. (Borneo), S. maxi sp. n. (Borneo), S. nigrofasciatus sp. n. (Sumatra), S. niisatoi sp. n. (Laos), S. philippinensis sp. n. (Mindanao), S. sabahensis sp. n. (Borneo); S. sakaii sp. n. (Thailand), S. satoi sp. n. (Malaysian Penins.), S. schawalleri sp. n. (Sumatra), S. schawalleroides sp. n. (Sumatra), S. septemmaculatus sp. n. (Borneo), S. tamdaoensis sp. n. (Vietnam), S. tanahratensis sp. n. (Borneo), and S. teruhisai sp. n. (Borneo). The twelve previously known species; Scirtes basifasciatus Pic, 1938, S. crassicornis Champion, 1918, S. curtelineatus Pic, 1936, S. decemnotatus Champion, 1918, S. dichrous Champion, 1918, S. flavocinctus Champion, 1918, S. flavoguttatus Champion, 1918, S. luteomaculatus Pic, 1935, S. malayanus Champion, 1918, S. patkainus Champion, 1918, S. rufotinctus Champion, 1918, and S. sulcigerus Champion, 1918, are redescribed. Scirtes curvans Champion, 1918 is synonymised with Scirtes patkainus Champion, 1918. A key to species and the species list of the species-group are provided.
Revision of the Southern African leafhopper genus Pravistylus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae)
Authors: STILLER M.
Published: December 2018

Descriptions are provided for the following 28 new species of Pravistylus (Naudé) from Southern Africa: P. bidentidiscus sp. n., P. brachyphysis sp. n., P. brachyplacus sp. n., P. caenophallus sp. n., P. deltoplacus sp. n., P. dentidiscus sp. n., P. digitidiscus sp. n., P. indistinctidiscus sp. n., P. interdiscus sp. n., P. lobus sp. n., P. longitrunculus sp. n., P. macropygeus sp. n., P. mecistoplacus sp. n., P. mecophysis sp. n., P. micropygeus sp. n., P. mollidiscus sp. n., P. mutilidiscus sp. n., P. odontiophallus sp. n., P. odontopygeus sp. n., P. oxyphysis sp. n., P. pelorophallus sp. n., P. pollediscus sp. n., P. scolophallus sp. n., P. scolopygeus sp. n., P. serratus sp. n., P. tanyoplacus sp. n., P. trunculidiscus sp. n. and P. varicudiscus sp. n. Redescribed species include the type species, P. eductus (Naudé, 1926) and P. exquadratus (Naudé, 1929). Deltocephalus africanus Naudé, 1926 is a new synonym of P. exquadratus (Naudé, 1929). Pravistylus is assigned to the tribe Paralimnini. A key is provided for the identification of species.
Neotropical Allocladius Kieffer, 1913 and Pseudosmittia Edwards, 1932 (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: ANDERSEN TROND , SÆTHER OLE A. , MENDES HUMBERTO F.
Published: December 2018

The Neotropical species of the genera Pseudosmittia Edwards, 1932 and Allocladius Kieffer, 1913 are described or redescribed, short generic diagnoses are given, and keys to the males presented. The following new species are described and figured as male imagines: Allocladius globosus, A. quadrus, A. scrotus, Pseudosmittia adunca, P. amorimi, P. cambuciensis, P. carioca, P. catarinense, P. gibbistyla, P. invirgata, P. lamasi, P. lamellata, P. magdae, P. nana, P. palpina, P. paulista, P. pinhoi, P. roquei, P. tropis, P. umbonata, and P. uncata. Allocladius bilobulatus (Edwards) comb. n., A. fortispinatus (Edwards) comb. n., A. neobilobulatus (Paggi) comb. n., Pseudosmittia joaquimvenancioi (Messias et4 · Zootaxa 2472 © 2010 Magnolia PressOliveira), and P. windwardensis (Sæther) are redescribed as male imagines. Diagnoses of Pseudosmittia brachydicrana (Edwards), P. digitata Sæther, and P. forcipata (Goetghebuer) are given. The female of A. bilobulatus, the pupa of A. neobilobulatus, a pupa from Chile possibly belonging to A. bilobulatus, a pupa of the Pseudosmittia forcipata group from Brazil, and an unplaced larva from the Falkland Islands are also described.
Coxal combs in the Cydnidae sensu lato and three other related “cydnoid” families – Parastrachiidae, Thaumastellidae, Thyreocoridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): functional, taxonomic, and phylogenetic significance
Authors: LIS JERZY A.
Published: December 2018

Coxal combs are described for 26 species of 21 genera, representing all currently recognized subfamilies and their tribes within the Cydnidae sensu lato (i.e., Amnestinae; Amaurocorinae; Garsauriinae; Cephalocteinae: Cephalocteini and Scaptocorini; Cydninae: Cydnini and Geotomini s. lato; Sehirinae: Sehirini s. lato). In addition, Thyreocoris scarabaeoides Linnaeus, 1758, and Strombosoma impictum Amyot et Serville, 1843 (Thyreocoridae); Thaumastella aradoides Horváth, 1896 (Thaumastellidae); and Parastrachia japonensis (Scott, 1880), P. nagaensis Distant, 1908, Dismegistus binotatus (Westwood, 1837), and D. fimbriatus (Thunberg, 1783) (currently placed within Parastrachiidae), have also been studied. 22 species were investigated using SEM techniques for the first time. Three basic types of setae, making up the coxal comb, were recognized during the study, i.e., stout setae, gutter-like setae, and scale-like setae. Two main types of the coxal combs are described, i.e., (1) the coxal comb composed of an irregular row of long, apically sharpened, stout setae (Cydnidae: Cephalocteinae: Scaptocorini; and Parastrachiidae), and (2) the coxal comb composed of a regularly aligned row of gutter-like or scale-like setae (all other subfamilies and tribes of the Cydnidae s. lato, Thaumastellidae, and Thyreocoridae). Functional, taxonomic, and phylogenetic significance of the coxal combs is also briefly discussed.
Imagos of Camelobaetidius francischettii Salles, Andrade & Da-Silva (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
Authors: BOLDRINI RAFAEL , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO , PES ANA MARIA OLIVEIRA
Published: December 2018

The genus Camelobaetidius Demoulin (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) is represented in South America by 28 species: 20 of them are described based on nymphs, three based solely on adults, and five based on nymphs and adults (Dominguez et al., 2006; Boldrini & Salles, 2009; Salles & Nascimento, 2009).  As mentioned by Boldrini & Salles (2009), the species of the genus can be divided into three morphological groups: a) those species with the terminal filament reduced and with a projection on the inner margin of the fore femora; b) species with the terminal filament reduced and without a projection on the inner margin of the fore femora; and c) species with the terminal filament almost as long as cerci. Of these five species described based on nymphs and adults, nymphs of four of them present the terminal filament well developed, whereas in only one, C. billi Thomas & Dominique, nymphs present the terminal filament reduced (Dominguez et al., 2006). Importantly, adults of Camelobaetidius whose nymphs present the terminal filament reduced and a projection on the inner margin of the fore femora, as C. leentvaari Demoulin, the type-species, remain unknown.
Pill-millipedes (Glomerida, Diplopoda) in Taiwan
Authors: GOLOVATCH S. I. , MIKHALJOVA E. V. , CHANG HSUEH-WEN
Published: December 2018

The order Glomerida is represented in Taiwan by five species in two genera, two subfamilies and one family. All species, as well as one genus and one subfamily, seem to be endemic to Taiwan. Among the species, Mauriesia splendida sp. nov. belongs in a new genus, Mauriesia gen. nov., which in its turn represents a new subfamily, Mauriesiinae subfam. nov., the latter differing strikingly from the remaining three subfamilies of Glomeridae both in the presence of a caudomedian lobule on the male pygidium and in telopod stoutness and conformation. Four further species belong to the large, basically Asian genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910: H. aurata sp. nov., H. sinuata sp. nov., H. proximata sp. nov. and H. vittata Verhoeff, 1929. A key is provided to all of the species of Glomerida in Taiwan, and their distributions are mapped and discussed.
Eudontomyzon graecus, a new nonparasitic lamprey species from Greece (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae)
Authors: RENAUD CLAUDE B. , ECONOMIDIS PANOS S.
Published: December 2018

Eudontomyzon graecus, sp. n., a nonparasitic lamprey from Greece, is restricted to the Loúros River drainage, Ionian Sea basin, Epirus Periphery. It is distinguished from Eudontomyzon hellenicus, the other nonparasitic Greek brook lamprey, occurring allopatrically in the Strymon River drainage, Aegean Sea basin, Central Macedonia Periphery, by possessing at the adult stage a relatively longer tail and a greater number of bicuspid teeth in both the first row of anterials and posterials, and at the ammocoete stage, by a relatively shorter trunk and longer tail and a less pigmented upper lip, tongue precursor bulb and lateral aspects of the elastic ridge. Taken individually, these three adult and five larval characters, varied in their diagnostic power from 71 to 88% for the adults and from 91 to 97% for the ammocoetes. However, in combination, these characters provide sufficient evidence to justify recognition of this new species, in addition to the wide distance (ca 400 km) separating it from its closest extant relative, as well as its independent origin.
Aoruroides cochinchinensis sp. n. (Oxyurida: Thelastomatidae) from Vietnamese Panesthiinae wood-burrowing cockroaches
Authors: GUZEEVA ELENA A. , VAN LUC PHAM , SPIRIDONOV SERGEI E.
Published: December 2018

A new thelastomatid species, Aoruroides cochinchinensis sp. n., is described from the hindgut of Vietnamese Panesthiinae cockroaches collected in Bi Doup-Nui Ba National Park. It is the first report of nematodes of the genus Aoruroides Travassos & Kloss, 1958 from mainland Asia. Aoruroides cochinchinensis sp. n. males are characterized by thorn-like cuticular projections on the head end, maximal value of de Man index a (19.5) within the genus, and the nerve ring situated on the border of corpus and isthmus. Earlier, only knob-like cervical cuticular projections were described for males of A. queenslandensis Jex, Cribb & Schneider, 2004.
Two new species of Indopinnixa Manning & Morton, 1987 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: RAHAYU DWI LISTYO , NG PETER K. L.
Published: December 2018

Two new species of pinnotherid crabs of the genus Indopinnixa Manning & Morton, 1987, are described from the island of Lombok, Indonesia. Indopinnixa kasijani n. sp. and I. moosai n. sp. differ from the two known congeners, I. sipunculana Manning & Morton, 1987, and I. mortoni Davie, 1992, by their proportionately wider and smoother carapaces, and the morphology of the third maxillipeds, pereiopods, abdomen and gonopods. The two new species differ from each other in the morphologies of their male first gonopods and female abdomens.
Revised diagnosis of the family Blattisociidae (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseioidea), with a key to its genera and description of a new fungus- inhabiting genus from Costa Rica
Authors: LINDQUIST EVERT E. , MORAZA MARIA L.
Published: December 2018

The genus Opilioseius gen. nov. of the phytoseioid family Blattisociidae is described, based on adults and deutonymphs of one newly described species from Costa Rica. These striking long-legged mites undergo their life histories on the lower surface of their fungal hosts in lowland tropical rainforest. Opilioseius grallator sp. nov. coexists with a surprising variety of blattisociine and other mesostigmatic mites on fungi of the genus Coriolus. A diagnosis of the recently-revised familial concept of the Blattisociidae is given, along with a key to its constituent genera. Attention is drawn to the unusually large size of the egg relative to the size of the maternal female, and to an apical ventral process on the tarsus of legs II to IV, found to be present on a variety of other mesostigmatic mites, but not noted previously.
A review of Mesotritia (Acari: Oribatida: Oribotritiidae) in China, with descriptions of two new species and a checklist of known taxa
Authors: LIU DONG , CHEN JUN
Published: December 2018

The oribatid mite genus Mesotritia Forsslund, 1963 (Oribotritiidae) is reviewed. Five species of Mesotritia including two new species, Mesotritia bicarinata sp. nov. and Mesotritia serrata sp. nov., and three newly recorded species from China, M. maerkeli Sheals, 1965, M. nuda (Berlese, 1887) and M. okuyamai Aoki, 1980, are identified. A checklist of all known species and a key to the Chinese species of this genus are provided.
The millipede tribe Sundaninini in Vietnam (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: NGUYEN ANH D.
Published: December 2018

Pseudosundanina gen.nov. is created to accommodate the species Sundanina falcata Attems, 1937 new combination, which is redescribed from near–typotypic material. In addition, two new species of Sundanina are described: S. medialis sp.nov. from northern and S. cochinchina sp.nov. from southern Vietnam. A key is compiled to all four Sundaninini species currently known from Vietnam.
Two new Isotomidae species (Collembola) from Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: QUEIROZ GABRIEL C. , DE MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE
Published: December 2018

Two new Isotomidae species Cryptopygus tingus sp. nov. and Paracerura pindorama sp. nov. are described and illustrated, based on litter samplings made in the year 2008 in the Atlantic Forest of the Sooretama Biological Reserve, in the Espírito Santo State.
A new genus of Protosmylinae from the Middle Jurassic of China (Neuroptera: Osmylidae)
Authors: WANG YONGJIE , LIU ZHIQI , REN DONG , SHIH CHUNGKUN
Published: December 2018

Three new fossil lacewings, Juraheterosmylus antiquates gen. et sp. nov., Juraheterosmylus astictus sp. nov. and Juraheterosmylus minor sp. nov. are described from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. The new genus, assigned to Protosmylinae, is the oldest record of the subfamily. A diagnosis of Protosmylinae is provided and biogeographical distribution of Protosmylinae is discussed.
Erratum—FERRARI, A., SCHWERTNER, C.F. & GRAZIA, J. (2010) Review, cladistic analysis and biogeography of Nezara Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Zootaxa, 2424, 1–41.
Authors: FERRARI A. , SCHWERTNER C. F. , GRAZIA J.
Published: December 2018

(Erratum)
The genus Salfacarus (Acari: Opilioacarida) in Madagascar
Authors: G. MA. MAGDALENA VÁZQUEZ , KLOMPEN HANS
Published: December 2018

The opilioacarid genus Salfacarus in Madagascar is revised, with description of four new species, S. antsirananensis, S. kirindiensis, S. mahafaliensis, and S. ranobensis, and a new delimitation for the type species, S. legendrei. Salfacarus is widespread in Madagascar but individual species appear restricted to relatively small areas. A key to the adults of Salfacarus in Madagascar is provided.