bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple-Strain Malaria Infection and Its Impacts on Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Antimalarial Therapy: A Mathematical Modelling Perspective
Authors: Orwa Titus Okello , Mbogo Rachel Waema , Luboobi Livingstone Serwadda
Published: June 2019

The emergence of parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs has contributed significantly to global human mortality and morbidity due to malaria infection. The impacts of multiple-strain malarial parasite infection have further generated a lot of scientific interest. In this paper, we demonstrate, using the epidemiological model, the effects of parasite resistance and competition between the strains on the dynamics and control of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The analysed model has a trivial equilibrium point which is locally asymptotically stable when the parasite’s effective reproduction number is less than unity. Using contour plots, we observed that the efficacy of antimalarial drugs used, the rate of development of resistance, and the rate of infection by merozoites are the most important parameters in the multiple-strain P. falciparum infection and control model. Although the drug-resistant strain is shown to be less fit, the presence of both strains in the human host has a huge impact on the cost and success of antimalarial treatment. To reduce the emergence of resistant strains, it is vital that only effective antimalarial drugs are administered to patients in hospitals, especially in malaria-endemic regions. Our results emphasize the call for regular and strict surveillance on the use and distribution of antimalarial drugs in health facilities in malaria-endemic countries.
Analytical and Experimental Study of Focused Wave Action on a Partially Immersed Box
Authors: Fang Qinghe , Guo Anxin
Published: June 2019

Focused wave is a practical laboratory method for reproducing extreme waves that cause catastrophic damage to marine and coastal structures. This paper presents a simple and efficient analytical method for predicting the hydrodynamic pressure and wave forces acting on a partially immersed box when subjected to a focused wave group attack. The boundary value issue of the physical problem is first investigated to derive an analytical formula based on potential flow theory and the matching eigenfunction method. Thereafter, the test data from a hydrodynamic experiment is used to verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical model. Using the validated analytical model, a parametric analysis is conducted to gain insight into the effects of the structural configuration and wave properties on the pressure and wave forces. It is observed that the hydrodynamic pressure on the offshore side plate, horizontal wave force, and moment are notably influenced by the structure breadth and draft. A focused wave with a lower peak frequency and higher focused amplitude is found to exert greater wave forces on the partially immersed box. The paper shows the value of linear wave theory for wave loads prediction even for focused waves although with some limitations.
SUMO-Specific Protease 1 Is Critical for Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Development and Function
Authors: Huang Xian , Zuo Yong , Wang Xiuzhi , Wu Xuefeng , Tan Hongsheng , Fan Qiuju , Dong Baijun , Xue Wei , Chen Guo-Qiang , Cheng Jinke
Published: June 2019

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) can suppress immunity and promote tumorigenesis, and their abundance is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we show that SUMO1/sentrin-specific peptidase 1 (SENP1) regulates the development and function of MDSC. SENP1 deficiency in myeloid cells promoted MDSC expansion in bone marrow, spleen, and other organs. Senp1−/− MDSC showed stronger immunosuppressive activity than Senp1+/+ MDSC; we observed no defects in the differentiation of myeloid precursor cell in Senp1−/− mice. Mechanistically, SENP1-mediated regulation of MDSC was dependent on STAT3 signaling. We identified CD45 as a specific STAT3 phosphatase in MDSC. CD45 was SUMOylated in MDSC and SENP1 could deconjugate SUMOylated CD45. In Senp1−/− MDSC, CD45 was highly SUMOylated, which reduced its phosphatase activity toward STAT3, leading to STAT3-mediated MDSC development and function. These results reveal a suppressive function of SENP1 in modulating MDSC expansion and function via CD45–STAT3 signaling axis.

Significance:

These findings show that increased SUMOylation of CD45 via loss of SENP1 suppresses CD45-mediated dephosphorylation of STAT3, which promotes MDSC development and function, leading to tumorigenesis.
Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D at Diagnosis Are Not Associated with Overall Survival in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Loehrer Elizabeth , Betensky Rebecca A. , Giovannucci Edward , Su Li , Shafer Andrea , Hollis Bruce W. , Christiani David C.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Higher levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are associated with longer survival in several cancers, but the results have differed across cancer sites. The association between serum 25(OH)D levels and overall survival (OS) time in esophageal adenocarcinoma remains unclear.

Methods:

We utilized serum samples from 476 patients with primary esophageal adenocarcinoma, recruited from Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA) between 1999 and 2015. We used log-rank tests to test the difference in survival curves across quartiles of 25(OH)D levels and extended Cox modeling to estimate adjusted HRs. We tested for interactions between clinical stage or BMI on the association between 25(OH)D and OS. We additionally performed sensitivity analyses to determine whether race or timing of blood draw (relative to treatment) affected these results.

Results:

We found no evidence that survival differed across quartiles of 25(OH)D (log rank P = 0.48). Adjusting for confounders, we found no evidence that the hazard of death among the highest quartile of 25(OH)D (quartile 1) differed from any other quartile [quartile 2 HR = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67–1.23; quartile 3 HR = 1.03, 95% CI, 0.76–1.38; quartile 4 (lowest) HR = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.72–1.33]. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results when accounting for race or time between diagnosis and blood draw. Moreover, we did not find evidence of interaction between 25(OH)D and clinical stage or BMI on OS.

Conclusions:

Serum level of 25(OH)D near time of diagnosis was not associated with OS in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Impact:

Screening 25(OH)D levels among patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma at diagnosis is not clinically relevant to their cancer prognosis based on present evidence.
Dietary Acrylamide Intake and Risk of Esophageal, Gastric, and Colorectal Cancer: The Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Rong , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Kitamura Yuri , Ishihara Junko , Kotemori Ayaka , Zha Ling , Ikeda Sayaka , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: June 2019

Background:

Acrylamide has been classified as a probable human carcinogen based chiefly on laboratory evidence. However, the influence of dietary acrylamide intake on risk of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer has not been extensively studied. We aimed to evaluate the association between dietary acrylamide intake and esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer using data from the Japan Public Health Center–based Prospective Study.

Methods:

Our study included 87,628 participants who completed a food-frequency questionnaire at enrollment in 1990 and 1993. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazards ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjusting for confounding factors.

Results:

After 15.5, 15.3, and 15.3 mean years of follow-up for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, we identified and analyzed 391 esophageal, 2,218 gastric, and 2,470 colorectal cancer cases, respectively. Compared with the lowest quintile of acrylamide intake, the multivariate HR for the highest quintile was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.53–1.39; Ptrend = 0.814), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69–1.01; Ptrend = 0.301), and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.79–1.08; Ptrend = 0.165) for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, respectively, in the multivariable-adjusted model. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed when the participants were stratified by cancer subsites.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that dietary acrylamide intake was not associated with increased risk of esophageal, gastric, or colorectal cancer among the Japanese population.

Impact:

It is the first time to assess the effect of dietary acrylamide intake on risk of digestive system cancer in Asian populations.
Incidence of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in the United States, 2000–2014
Authors: Ryser Marc D. , Hendrix Laura H. , Worni Mathias , Liu Yiling , Hyslop Terry , Hwang E. Shelley
Published: June 2019

Background:

In absence of definitive molecular risk markers, clinical management of patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains largely guided by patient and tumor characteristics. In this study, we analyzed recent trends in DCIS incidence and compared them against trends in mammography use.

Methods:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was queried for patients diagnosed with DCIS from 2000 to 2014 (18 registries). Joinpoint regression analyses were used to compute age- and race-stratified trends in age-adjusted incidence of DCIS. The patterns of DCIS incidence were compared against mammography utilization data from the National Health Interview Survey.

Results:

Between 2000 and 2014, overall DCIS incidence in the U.S. population was stable (P = 0.24). Among age groups 20 to 44 years and 45 to 55 years, DCIS incidence increased by 1.3% (P = 0.001) and 0.6% (P = 0.02) per year, respectively. Although stable among white women, DCIS incidence increased among black women and women of other races by 1.6% (P < 0.001) and 1.0% (P = 0.002) per year, respectively. Mammography uptake correlated well with DCIS incidence, with the exception of women ages 40 to 49 years and black women who experienced an increase in DCIS incidence despite stagnating and decreasing mammography uptake, respectively.

Conclusions:

Overall DCIS incidence rates have remained stable between 2000 and 2014. However, subgroup analyses revealed an increase in incidence among both younger women and black women.

Impact:

DCIS incidence trends did not correlate with the mammography uptake patterns, suggesting that etiologic factors other than screening may be leading to an increased DCIS incidence in these groups.
Tumor Lymphatic Function Regulates Tumor Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Microenvironments
Authors: Kataru Raghu P. , Ly Catherine L. , Shin Jinyeon , Park Hyeung Ju , Baik Jung Eun , Rehal Sonia , Ortega Sagrario , Lyden David , Mehrara Babak J.
Published: June 2019

Proliferation of aberrant, dysfunctional lymphatic vessels around solid tumors is a common histologic finding. Studies have shown that abnormalities in lymphatic function result in accumulation of inflammatory cells with an immunosuppressive profile. We tested the hypothesis that dysfunctional lymphatic vessels surrounding solid tumors regulate changes in the tumor microenvironment and tumor-specific immune responses. Using subcutaneously implanted mouse melanoma and breast cancer tumors in a lymphatic endothelial cell–specific diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mouse, we found that local ablation of lymphatic vessels increased peritumoral edema, as compared with controls. Comparative analysis of the peritumoral fluid demonstrated increases in the number of macrophages, CD4+ inflammatory cells, F4/80+/Gr-1+ (myeloid-derived suppressor cells), CD4+/Foxp3+ (Tregs) immunosuppressive cells, and expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β following lymphatic ablation. Tumors grown in lymphatic ablated mice exhibited reduced intratumoral accumulation of cytotoxic T cells and increased tumor PD-L1 expression, causing rapid tumor growth, compared with tumors grown in nonlymphatic-ablated mice. Our study suggests that lymphatic dysfunction plays a role in regulating tumor microenvironments and may be therapeutically targeted in combination with immunotherapy to prevent tumor growth and progression.
An Improved Patient-Derived Xenograft Humanized Mouse Model for Evaluation of Lung Cancer Immune Responses
Authors: Meraz Ismail M. , Majidi Mourad , Meng Feng , Shao RuPing , Ha Min Jin , Neri Shinya , Fang Bingliang , Lin Steven H. , Tinkey Peggy T. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Morris Jeffrey , Roth Jack A.
Published: June 2019

Human tumor xenograft models do not replicate the human immune system and tumor microenvironment. We developed an improved humanized mouse model, derived from fresh cord blood CD34+ stem cells (CD34+ HSC), and combined it with lung cancer cell line–derived human xenografts or patient-derived xenografts (Hu-PDX). Fresh CD34+ HSCs could reconstitute detectable mature human leukocytes (hCD45+) in mice at four weeks without the onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Repopulated human T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DC), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) increased in peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow over time. Although cultured CD34+ HSCs labeled with luciferase could be detected in mice, the cultured HSCs did not develop into mature human immune cells by four weeks, unlike fresh CD34+ HSCs. Ex vivo, reconstituted T cells, obtained from the tumor-bearing humanized mice, secreted IFNγ upon treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or exposure to human A549 lung tumor cells and mediated antigen-specific CTL responses, indicating functional activity. Growth of engrafted PDXs and tumor xenografts was not dependent on the human leukocyte antigen status of the donor. Treatment with the anti–PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab or nivolumab inhibited tumor growth in humanized mice significantly, and correlated with an increased number of CTLs and decreased MDSCs, regardless of the donor HLA type. In conclusion, fresh CD34+HSCs are more effective than their expanded counterparts in humanizing mice, and do so in a shorter time. The Hu-PDX model provides an improved platform for evaluation of immunotherapy.
A Prospective, Multi-Center Phase I Study of Postoperative Enoxaparin Treatment in Patients Undergoing Curative Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery for Malignancies
Authors: Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kawamoto Koichi , Tsujie Masanori , Yukawa Masao , Kubota Masaru , Asaoka Tadafumi , Takeda Yutaka , Noda Takehiro , Shimizu Junzo , Nagano Hiroaki , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: June 2019

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the critical complications that can occur after surgery. A positive association between cancer and VTE risk is well established; however, the safety and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis have not been established in hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery, especially in surgery for malignancies. Methods: A prospective, multi-center Phase I study to determine the safety of enoxaparin was performed. Subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin was initiated 48–72 h after surgery and repeated for 8 days. The primary endpoint was the incidence of bleeding events. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000007761). Results: A total of 154 patients was registered and 133 patients including 74 hepatectomies and 35 pancreaticoduodenectomies were analyzed. Three patients (2.3%) exhibited major bleeding events postoperatively, while 7 (5.2%) had minor bleeding. No Symptomatic VTE was observed. Conclusions: Our study indicated that enoxaparin was well tolerated and safe for patients who received hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery for malignancies.
Construction and Validation of Quantification Methods for Determining the Cannabidiol Content in Liquid Pharma-Grade Formulations by Means of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Espel Grekopoulos Joan
Published: June 2019

There is an increasing interest in cannabinoids as they are being proved to effectively treat the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. Commercialization of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products is expected to grow in the near future, favored by the recent changes in medical regulations in many developed countries. Hence, robust and reliable analytical methods for determining the content of the active pharmaceutical ingredient will be needed, as this is one of the most relevant parameters for the decision to release the final pharmaceutical product into the market. The aim of this work was to demonstrate that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy fulfills the needed requirements for this purpose, as well as to provide a methodology to be applied to other cannabinoid-based products. We present two validated methods for the quantification of different liquid pharma-grade cannabidiol (CBD) formulations based on NIR spectroscopy and partial least squares regression modelling. The methods were constructed and validated with spectra belonging both to production samples and to laboratory samples specifically made for this purpose, and they fulfill European Medicines Agency and International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guideline requirements. These methods allow determining the CBD content with results comparable to the usual method of choice while saving reagent- as well as time-related costs.
Time‐Dependent Myocardial Necrosis in Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Without Angiographic Collateral Flow Visualized by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Results From the Multicenter STEMI‐SCAR Project
Authors: Greulich Simon , Mayr Agnes , Gloekler Steffen , Seitz Andreas , Birkmeier Stefan , Schäufele Tim , Bekeredjian Raffi , Zuern Christine S. , Seizer Peter , Geisler Tobias , Müller Karin A. L. , Krumm Patrick , Nikolaou Konstantin , Klug Gert , Reinstadler Sebastian , Pamminger Mathias , Reindl Martin , Wahl Andreas , Traupe Tobias , Seiler Christian , Metzler Bernhard , Gawaz Meinrad , Windecker Stephan , Mahrholdt Heiko
Published: June 2019

Background

Acute complete occlusion of a coronary artery results in progressive ischemia, moving from the endocardium to the epicardium (ie, wavefront). Dependent on time to reperfusion and collateral flow, myocardial infarction (
MI
) will manifest, with transmural
MI
portending poor prognosis. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can detect
MI
with  high diagnostic accuracy. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the preferred reperfusion strategy in patients with
ST
‐segment–elevation MI with <12 hours of symptom onset. We sought to visualize time‐dependent necrosis in a population with
ST
‐segment–elevation MI by using late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (STEMI‐SCAR project).

Methods and Results

ST
‐segment–elevation MI patients with single‐vessel disease, complete occlusion with TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) score 0, absence of collateral flow (Rentrop score 0), and symptom onset <12 hours were consecutively enrolled. Using late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the area at risk and infarct size, myocardial salvage index, transmurality index, and transmurality grade (0–50%, 51–75%, 76–100%) were determined. In total, 164 patients (aged 54±11 years, 80% male) were included. A receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve: 0.81) indicating transmural necrosis revealed the best diagnostic cutoff for a symptom‐to‐balloon time of 121 minutes: patients with >121 minutes demonstrated increased infarct size, transmurality index, and transmurality grade (all
P
<0.01) and decreased myocardial salvage index (
P
<0.001) versus patients with symptom‐to‐balloon times ≤121 minutes.

Conclusions

In MI with no residual antegrade and no collateral flow, immediate reperfusion is vital. A symptom‐to‐balloon time of >121 minutes causes a high grade of transmural necrosis. In this pure
ST
‐segment–elevation MI population, time to reperfusion to salvage myocardium was less than suggested by current guidelines.
Angioedema in Stroke Patients With Thrombolysis
Authors: Fröhlich Kilian , Macha Kosmas , Gerner Stefan T. , Bobinger Tobias , Schmidt Manuel , Dörfler Arnd , Hilz Max J. , Schwab Stefan , Seifert Frank , Kallmünzer Bernd , Winder Klemens
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose—

Oral angioedema (OA) is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis with r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator). This study intended to determine associations between thrombolysis-related OA and ischemic stroke lesion sites using a voxel-wise lesion analysis.

Methods—

Prospective registry data were used to identify ischemic stroke patients with thrombolysis-related OA between 2002 and 2018. For the study registry, ethics approval was obtained by the Ethics Committee of the Friedrich-Alexander Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg (clinical registry registration: 377_17Bc). Ischemic stroke patients with thrombolysis treatment but without OA admitted in the years 2011 and 2012 comprised the control group. Ischemic lesions were manually outlined on magnetic resonance imaging (1.5T or 3T) or computed tomographic scans and transformed into stereotaxic space. We determined the lesion overlap and compared the absence or presence of OA voxel-wise between patients with and without lesions in a given voxel using the Liebermeister test. Stroke severity was rated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose levels, and body temperature were determined on admission.

Results—

Fifteen ischemic stroke patients with thrombolysis-related OA were identified. The voxel-wise analysis yielded associations between OA and ischemic lesions in the insulo-opercular region with a right hemispheric dominance. Mean blood pressure was significantly lower in patients with OA than in controls. Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, infarct volumes, heart rate, and blood glucose levels did not differ between patients with and without OA.

Conclusions—

The voxel-wise analysis linked thrombolysis-related OA to right insulo-opercular lesions. The lower blood pressure in patients with thrombolysis-related OA may reflect bradykinin effects causing vasodilatation and increasing vascular permeability.
Serum Ngb (Neuroglobin) Is Associated With Brain Metabolism and Functional Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Ding Chen-Yu , Kang De-Zhi , Wang Zi-Liang , Lin Yuan-Xiang , Jiang Chang-Zhen , Yu Liang-Hong , Wang Deng-Liang , Lin Zhang-Ya , Gu Jian-Jun
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose—

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage is a well-recognized physiopathologic mechanism after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The Ngb (neuroglobin) is a hemoprotein predominantly expressed in the brain with a high affinity for oxygen. Relationship between serum Ngb level and brain metabolism in aSAH patients has not been investigated previously.

Methods—

Thirty-six consecutive severe aSAH patients (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 on admission) with multimodal neuromonitoring and 36 matched healthy subjects were included. Serum Ngb level was analyzed in combination with other time-matched cerebral microdialysis parameters, brain tissue oxygen tension, and 12-month neurological outcomes.

Results—

Serum Ngb level was correlated positively with cerebral microdialysis parameters and brain tissue oxygen tension (
P
<0.001). Poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >3) 12 months after aSAH was associated with higher Ngb level but independent of age, sex, and disease severity (
P
<0.001). A similar association was found between high Ngb level and neuropsychological test results indicative of impairments in cognition, visual conceptualization, and frontal executive functions (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Ngb may be a potential biomarker for reflecting brain tissue oxygen tension, brain metabolism, and functional outcome in severe aSAH patients and merits further study in the context of aSAH.
Optimizing laboratory defined macroprolactin algorithm
Authors: Šostarić Milica , Bokulić Adriana , Marijančević Domagoj , Zec Ivana
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Macroprolactinaemia is a well-known analytical problem in diagnostics of hyperprolactinaemia usually detected with polyethylene
glycol (PEG) precipitation method. Since there is no harmonization in macroprolactin detection and reporting results, this study proposes and evaluates the usefulness of in-house developed algorithm. The aims were to determine the most suitable way of reporting results after PEG treatment and the possibilities of rationalizing the precipitation procedure.
Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study based on extracted data for 1136 patients. Prolactin concentrations were measured before
and after PEG precipitation on Roche cobas e601. Macroprolactinaemia was defined by percentage recovery and post-PEG prolactin concentrations.
Results: Prevalence of macroprolactinaemia using recovery criteria of ≤ 40%, ≤ 60%, and post-PEG prolactin concentrations was 3.3%, 8.8% and 7.8%, respectively. Raising the cut-off value from the upper limit of the manufacturer’s reference interval to 32.9 μg/L does not drastically change detected macroprolactinaemia with recovery criteria. Post-PEG prolactin concentrations showed more than half of the patients with macroprolactinaemia would be overlooked. Regardless of the criteria, a cut-off of 47.0 μg/L would miss most of the macroprolactinaemic patients. Repeated recovery measurements of follow-up patients showed there is a significant difference with mean absolute bias of 9%.
Conclusions: Post-PEG prolactin concentration with corresponding reference interval is the most suitable way of reporting results. All samples with prolactin concentration above the upper limit of the manufacturer’s reference interval should be submitted to PEG precipitation. Follow-up period could be prolonged since the difference between the recoveries of repeated measurements is not clinically significant.
Reporting categories in urine test strip analysis: Croatian survey and call for action
Authors: Dojder Ana , Špoljarić Valentina , Šimundić Ana-Maria , Grzunov Ana , Maradin Ivana , Vlašić Tanasković Jelena , Leniček Krleža Jasna , Dukić Lora , Saračević Andrea , Vuljanić Dora
Published: June 2019

Introduction: In line with the national recommendations, Croatian medical laboratories report urine test strip qualitative analysis results using a categorized scale with defined number of categories. Since concentration ranges for measured analytes have not been provided by national professional authority, it is up to the laboratories to define their own categories. The aim of study was to assess the comparability of concentrations assigned to different categories used in reporting the results of dipstick urinalysis in Croatian laboratories.
Material and methods: A questionnaire was e-mailed to all Croatian medical laboratories (N = 195). They were asked to provide the number of categories and respective concentrations for each parameter. Data were described as numbers and percentages. Values above the upper reference range limit, which were assigned as normal and/or trace category, were considered as false negative.
Results: Response rate was 71% (139/195). Seventy percent (98/139) of laboratories report their results with either higher (77/98; 79%) or lower (2/98; 2%) number of categories, relative to the national recommendation, whereas 19/98 (19%) report their results as concentrations. Great heterogeneity of reporting categories was observed. Multiple categories were assigned to same concentrations and there was a large overlap of concentrations for most categories. Considerable proportion of laboratories reported false negative results for ketones (42%), leukocytes (30%) and glucose (21%).
Conclusions: The concentrations assigned to categories used to report the results of dipstick urinalysis are not comparable among Croatian medical laboratories. There is an urgent need for harmonization and standardization of reporting the results of urine dipstick analysis in Croatia.
Elevated activated partial thromboplastin time-based clot waveform analysis markers have strong positive association with acute venous thromboembolism
Authors: Wen Tan Chuen , Cheen McVin Hua Heng , Ng Heng Joo , Lee Lai Heng , Ahamedulla Sahul Hameed , Chua Brian Lee Wei , Wu Ian Qianhuang , Wong Wan Hui
Published: June 2019

Introduction: A hypercoagulable state is a predisposition for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)-based clot waveform analysis (CWA) is a global haemostatic measure but its role in assessment of hypercoagulability and thrombotic disorders is uncertain. We aimed to study the changes of CWA parameters in acute VTE. We hypothesized that patients with acute VTE would demonstrate higher CWA values than control patients without VTE and having elevated CWA parameters is associated with acute VTE. Materials and methods: Clot waveform analysis data from patients (N = 45) with objectively proven acute VTE who had an aPTT performed prior to initiation of anticoagulation were compared with controls (N = 111). The CWA parameters measured were min1, min2, max2 and delta change. Results: While the mean aPTT between VTE patients and controls did not differ (P = 0.830), the mean CWA parameters were significantly higher among VTE patients than controls (min1, P < 0.001; min2, P = 0.001; max2, P = 0.002; delta change, P < 0.001). There were significantly more cases within the VTE group exhibiting CWA values above their reference intervals than the control group (all P < 0.001), with the odds ratios for VTE of 8.0, 5.2, 4.8 and 18.6 for min1, min2, max2 and delta change, respectively (all P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with acute VTE had elevated aPTT-based CWA parameters than controls. Higher CWA parameters were significantly associated with acute VTE.
Establishing the 99th percentile for high sensitivity cardiac troponin I in healthy blood donors from Southern Italy
Authors: Agnello Luisa , Bivona Giulia , Ciaccio Marcello , Lo Sasso Bruna , Muratore Maddalena , Gambino Caterina Maria , Iacolino Giorgia , Scazzone Concetta , Bellia Chiara
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The knowledge of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) distribution in a reference population is mandatory for its introduction in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to define the Upper Reference Limit (URL) of hsTnI measured by Single Molecule Counting technology (SMC) in an accurately selected reference population.
Materials and methods: In the study 1140 blood donors were included and selected on the basis of medical history and biomarkers. High sensitivity cardiac troponin I was measured by SMC technology (Clarity, Singulex, Alamed, USA). The 99th percentile was calculated by the non-parametric method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute - CLSI C28-A3.
Results: The median age was 41 years (IQR: 28 - 50) and 69% were males. The overall 99th percentile was 5 ng/L (90% CI: 4.2 - 5.6). When considering sex-related differences, we found slight differences between the 99th percentile in males and females. Moreover, the 99th percentile trended with age, especially in females.
Conclusions: We defined the 99th percentile of hs-cTnI measured by SMC technology in a highly selected healthy population, with only minor differences between males and females. Our findings provide the basic criteria for the reliable interpretation of hsTnI concentrations measured by the SMC technology in clinical settings.
High-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T delta concentration after repeat pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Zeljkovic Ivan , Knecht Sven , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael , Osswald Stefan , Schaer Beat , Reichlin Tobias , Spies Florian
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Difference between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T concentrations (hs-cTnT) before and after ablation procedure (delta concentration) reflects the amount of myocardial injury. The aim of the study was to investigate hs-cTnT prognostic power for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after repeat pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure.
Materials and methods: Consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing repeat PVI using a focal radiofrequency catheter were included in the study. Hs-cTnT was measured before and 18-24 hours after the procedure. Standardized 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up was performed. Cox-regression analysis was used to identify predictors of AF recurrence.
Results: A total of 105 patients undergoing repeat PVI were analysed (24% female, median age 61 years). Median (interquartile range) hs-cTnT delta after repeat PVI was 283 (127 - 489) ng/L. After a median follow-up of 12 months, AF recurred in 24 (23%) patients. A weak linear relationship between the total radiofrequency energy delivery time and delta hs-cTnT was observed (Pearson R2 = 0.31, P = 0.030). Delta Hs-cTnT was not identified as a significant long-term predictor of AF recurrence after repeated PVI (P = 0.920).
Conclusion: This was the first study evaluating the prognostic power of delta hs-cTnT in predicting AF recurrence after repeat PVI. Delta hs-cTnT
does not predict AF recurrence after repeat PVI procedures. Systematic measurement of hs-cTnT after repeat PVI does not add information relevant to outcome.
Technical Change, Exports, and Employment Growth in China: A Structural Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Doan Ha Thi Thanh , Long Trinh Quang
Published: June 2019

This paper analyzes the sources of employment growth and assesses the contribution of exports to job creation in China. To do so, we utilize an input–output table to decompose employment growth into contributions from technical change, labor productivity, domestic final demand, and exports of domestically produced output. Our main data source is the annual input–output data from the China Industrial Productivity Database covering 1981–2010, of which employment figures have been adjusted to account for serious structural breaks observed in official statistics. The input–output framework allows us to explore both the direct impact of exports on employment within a given industry and the indirect impact through inter-industry transactions. Our major findings are four-fold. First, the increase in final demand, including both domestic demand and exports, is the main driver of employment growth in China. The strong growth in final demand offsets the decline in employment caused by enhanced labor productivity, especially during the 2000s. Second, the contribution of exports to job creation has increased significantly, especially in manufacturing and agriculture, following China's accession to the World Trade Organization. Third, labor productivity accelerated in all sectors, led by manufacturing. Last, most technical upgrading occurs in manufacturing, whereas agriculture experiences increased technical upgrading through the decline in labor usage.
Geographical and Strategic Factors in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Europe
Authors: Richet Xavier
Published: June 2019

Recently, the volume of Chinese FDI made in Europe has reached the level of European FDI in China (now constrained by restrictions and risks). It equaled the level of FDI made by Chinese firms in the United States before they began to decline in the last two years. The Chinese economic presence in Europe is divided into three parts in terms of volume, destination, and type of acquisition: The heart of Europe is made up of the three major destinations (Germany, UK, France), where more capital-intensive investments are made, followed by other Western European countries (EU-15). New member states (NMS) that joined the EU in 2004, 2007, and 2013, and Western Balkan countries, in accession to the EU, are associated with China in the 16+1 Format (with the exception of Kosovo) and are another gateway to Europe. They receive less direct investment because of smaller market opportunities but China is building infrastructure (ports, highways, railways)—segments of the Silk Road that will bring Chinese products to the mature markets of the EU.
The Impacts of Financial Development, Urbanization, and Globalization on Income Inequality: A Regression-based Decomposition Approach
Authors: Lee Wai Choi , Cheong Tsun Se , Wu Yanrui , Wu Jianxin
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the impacts of financial development, urbanization, and globalization on income inequality in China by applying a regression-based inequality decomposition approach to panel data on Chinese provinces. Provincial data on urbanization and globalization are combined with new data collected from a unique database of financial development in China compiled at the county level. Our findings suggest that financial development, urbanization, and globalization have a positive impact on income. However, our inequality decomposition suggests that financial development may be particularly important for promoting inclusive growth, since financial development not only stimulates economic growth but is also found to be a factor that reduces inequality.
Fossil flower bugs (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha: Cimicoidea) from the Late Jurassic of Northeast China, including a new family, Vetanthocoridae
Authors: YAO YUNZHI , CAI WANZHI , REN DONG
Published: June 2019

An extinct new family of flower bugs, Vetanthocoridae fam. nov., with 2 new tribes, Vetanthocorini and Crassicerini, 8 new genera, and 9 new species (Byssoidecerus levigatus gen. & sp. nov., Collivetanthocoris rapax gen. & sp. nov., Vetanthocoris decorus gen. & sp. nov., Vetanthocoris longispicus gen. & sp. nov., Curvicaudus ciliatus gen. & sp. nov., Mecopodus xanthos gen. & sp. nov., Pustulithoracalis gloriosus gen. & sp. nov., Curticerus venustus gen. & sp. nov., and Crassicerus furtivus gen. & sp. nov.) are described from the Late Jurassic Yixian Formation in western Liaoning Province, China. These fossil records suggest there was an important diversity of flower bugs in the earlier Late Jurassic of northern China. A key to four flower-bug families and a key to the known fossil flower bugs are provided.
Lentireduvius, a new genus of Peiratinae from Brazil, with a key to the New World genera (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: CAI WANZHI , TAYLOR STEVEN J.
Published: June 2019

Lentireduvius Cai & Taylor, new genus, and one new species, L. brasiliensis Cai & Taylor, are described in the subfamily Peiratinae based on a single male specimen from Brazil. The dorsal habitus, antennal segments, male genitalia, and other diagnostic morphological features are illustrated with 25 figures. A key to the genera of Peiratinae of the Western Hemisphere is provided.
Apamea permixta, sp. n., from China ?the putative sister species of A. commixta (Butler) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae: Xyleninae: Apameini)
Authors: KONONENKO VLADIMIR
Published: June 2019

Apamea permixta, sp. n., is described from the Provinces of Fujan and Guandong, southeastern China. It appears to be the sister-species of the superficially similar A. commixta (Butler). It differs from the latter mainly in details of the structure of the male and female genitalia. The adult and male and female genitalia are illustrated, and a map of the distribution of both A. permixta and A. commixta is provided.
Terebellidae (Polychaeta) from Coiba National Park, Panamanian Pacific, including description of four new species and synonymy of the genus Paraeupolymnia with Lanicola
Authors: CAPA MARÍA , HUTCHINGS PAT A.
Published: June 2019

Four new species of terebellids (Terebellidae, Polychaeta) associated with hard substrates in the Coiba National Park (Panamanian Pacific) are described. The diagnostic features of each species within their respective genera are as follows: Eupolymnia joaoi sp. nov. has an enlarged second pair of lateral lobes, nephridial papillae present on segments 3–8, 14 ventral pads, neuropodial tori with uncini arranged in one single row in segments 5–10, and uncini with two rows of 2–3 teeth each over the main fang; Lanicola guillermoi sp. nov. has prostomial eyespots and a characteristic shape and dental formula of the uncini, with a larger tooth on the first row over the main fang and 3–5 teeth on the second row; Lanicola eduardoi sp. nov. lacks prostomial eyespots and has a characteristic uncinial dental formula on anterior and posterior segments of MF:3:2 and MF:1:1–3, respectively; Thelepus fraggleorum sp. nov. has branchial filaments separated by a wide dorsal gap, a characteristic uncinial dental formula of MF:2:1 on anterior uncini and MF:2–3:1–3 on posterior, and notopodia on more than half of anterior segments. In addition, the status of Terebella gorgonae and Eupolymnia regnans, two species previously recorded from the Panamic Province (Tropical     Eastern Pacific), is examined. Descriptions of the syntype of E. regnans and of possible specimens of “Terebella” cf. Terebella gorgonae from the Coiba National Park are provided. The genus Paraeupolymnia is synonymised with Lanicola, and the diagnosis of Lanicola is emended.
A new species of Anthrax Scopoli, 1763 from Brazil, with description of its puparium (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Anthracinae, Anthracini)
Authors: LAMAS CARLOS J.E.
Published: June 2019

A new species of Anthrax Scopoli, 1763, from Belo Horizonte city, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and its puparium are described and illustrated herein. The new species is added to a previously key where it appears together with A. hylaios Marston. Their similarities are discussed together with the justification for a proposal of a new species name. The possible hosts for the species are also cited herein.
Taxonomy of the Proisotoma complex. Redefinition of genera and description of new species of Scutisotoma and Weberacantha(Collembola, Isotomidae)
Authors: POTAPOV MIKHAIL , BABENKO ANATOLY , FJELLBERG ARNE
Published: June 2019

The paper provides new information on morphological characters which are useful in generic diagnostics of the Proisotoma complex of Isotomidae. Based on this information, a number of known species are excluded from the redefined Proisotoma s. str. and moved to the genus Scutisotoma Bagnall, 1949, which is again given generic status. The following genera are given more precise definitions: Subisotoma Stach, 1947, Ballistura Börner, 1906, Proisotoma Börner, 1901 and Weberacantha Christiansen, 1951. A new genus, Strenzketoma, is erected for the species “Proisotoma” buddenbrocki Strenzke. Scutisotoma titusi (Folsom), S. muriphila (Grinbergs), and S. ladaki (Denis) are redescribed. Fourteen new species of the genus Scutisotoma (S. acorrelata sp.n., S. baica sp.n., S. dodecocellata sp.n., S. indigirka sp.n., S. karadagi sp.n., S. kolymica sp.n., S. longisensilla sp.n., S. matalini sp.n., S. millimetrica sp.n., S. montana sp.n., S. nicksmeti sp.n., S. schisti sp.n., S. stachanoremi sp.n., S. tenuidentifera sp.n.) and two new species of Weberacantha (W. echinodermata sp.n., W. magnomucrella sp.n.) are described. Types of S. ananevae (Babenko & Bulavintsev), S. armeriae (Fjellberg), S. christianseni (Stach), S. oirota (Vilkamaa), S. stepposa (Martynova), S. tianshanica (Martynova), and S. tolerans (Babenko) have been studied. Keys to genera and to the known Holarctic species of Scutisotoma Bagnall and Weberacantha Christiansen are given.
The checkered beetles (Coleoptera: Cleridae) of the Maritime Provinces of Canada
Authors: MAJKA CHRISTOPHER G.
Published: June 2019

The beetles of the family Cleridae in the Maritime Provinces of Canada are reviewed and new provincial records are reported. As a result, 16 taxa (15 species and one additional subspecies) are now known to occur in the region. A total of 19 new provincial records are reported; seven from Prince Edward Island, nine from Nova Scotia, and three from New Brunswick. Three species, Zenodosus sanguineus (Say), Necrobia rufipes (DeGeer), and Necrobia violacea (Linnaeus) are newly recorded in the Maritime Provinces. The bionomics of the fauna is briefly reviewed; species found in the region fall into one of five ecological groups. The composition of the fauna is also examined in relation to subjects such as island faunas, the northeastern North American regional fauna, and adventive species.
Argestes angolaensis sp. nov. (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Argestidae) from theAngola Basin (Southeast Atlantic), and the phylogenetic characterization of thetaxon Argestes Sars, including the redescription of A. mollis Sars, 1910, and A.reductus (Itô, 1983)
Authors: GEORGE KAI HORST
Published: June 2019

Argestes angolaensis sp. nov. (Copepoda, Argestidae) is described from the Angola Basin. Detailed comparison with the other Argestes species, A. mollis Sars, 1910 and A. reductus (Itô, 1983), which are redescribed in the present contribution, reveals autapomorphies for the genus, finally enabling the characterization of Argestes as a monophylum: 1) body densely covered with fine small cuticular spinules, 2) sensilla of cephalothorax and free thoracic somites arising from long tubercles, 3) antennula with very strong seta terminally on 6th segment in female (9th–10th in male). This investigation, concentrating on the systematic status of Argestes and first remarks on its relationships to Parargestes Lang, is the first in a series dedicated to the phylogeny of Argestidae Por, 1986.
A new genus and species of Brychiopontiidae Humes, 1974 (Crustacea: Copepoda:Siphonostomatoida) associated with an abyssal holothurian in the NortheastPacific nodule province
Authors: MAHATMA RADITH , ARBIZU PEDRO MARTÍNEZ , IVANENKO VIATCHESLAV N.
Published: June 2019

A new genus and species Neobrychiopontius galeronae gen. nov. sp. nov. is described based on female specimens from the Pacific nodule province associated with the abyssal holothurian Oneirophanta cfr. setigera (Ludwig, 1894) (Elasipodida, Deimatidae). The holothurian and copepods were collected at a depth of 4978 m during the cruise “Nodinaut” (Ifremer, 17 May – 28 June 2004) on RV Atalante using a spade corer operated from the submersible Nautile. The new genus has retained a greater number of plesiomorphic characters, when compared to its closest relative the monotypic genus Brychiopontius Humes, 1974 from the abyssal zone of the North Atlantic: proximal 3 segments of antennule articulates (fused in Brychiopontius), well developed mandibular palp and inner lobe of maxilla (both absent in Brychiopontius). On the other hand the new genus has only 2 outer spines on the third exopodal segment of leg 1 (instead of 3 in Brychiopontius). Two plesiomorphic characters hitherto unknown for the order Siphonostomatoida are present in the new genus viz. the inner lobe of the first segment of the maxilla is armed with 2 setae and the first segment of the mandibular palp is armed with 1 seta. Neobrychiopontius galeronae gen. et sp. nov. is the second species of Siphonostomatoida found in association with abyssal holothurians (both belonging to the genus Oneirophanta) and represents the first record of the family Brychiopontiidae in the Pacific Ocean.