bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open educational resources in immunology education
Authors: Faggioni Thaís , da Silva Ferreira Natiele Carla , Lopes Renato Matos , Fidalgo-Neto Antonio Augusto , Cotta-de-Almeida Vinicius , Alves Luiz Anastacio
Published: March 2019

The use of computers as a pedagogical resource is currently on the rise. In the case of immunology, students present difficulties in visualizing molecular phenomena. Thus the use of animations and simulations available on the internet might facilitate the learning of complex immunological concepts. In this context, it is important to map and assess the currently available resources that may be used for educational purposes. This study comprises the search and analysis of educational immunology software freely available on the internet, which can aid students and health professionals in effective learning and continuing education scenarios. A detailed search in English on the existence of free software was carried out on websites and scientific databases. The results clearly indicate a lack of freely available and scientifically validated immunology educational software, despite the existence of several software programs that could be used as auxiliary teaching tools.
Energy metabolism couples hepatocyte integrin-linked kinase to liver glucoregulation and postabsorptive responses of mice in an age-dependent manner
Authors: Trefts Elijah , Hughey Curtis C. , Lantier Louise , Lark Dan S. , Boyd Kelli L. , Pozzi Ambra , Zent Roy , Wasserman David H.
Published: March 2019

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a critical intracellular signaling node for integrin receptors. Its role in liver development is complex, as ILK deletion at E10.5 (before hepatocyte differentiation) results in biochemical and morphological differences that resolve as mice age. Nevertheless, mice with ILK depleted specifically in hepatocytes are protected from the hepatic insulin resistance during obesity. Despite the potential importance of hepatocyte ILK to metabolic health, it is unknown how ILK controls hepatic metabolism or glucoregulation. The present study tested the role of ILK in hepatic metabolism and glucoregulation by deleting it specifically in hepatocytes, using a cre-lox system that begins expression at E15.5 (after initiation of hepatocyte differentiation). These mice develop the most severe morphological and glucoregulatory abnormalities at 6 wk, but these gradually resolve with age. After identifying when the deletion of ILK caused a severe metabolic phenotype, in depth studies were performed at this time point to define the metabolic programs that coordinate control of glucoregulation that are regulated by ILK. We show that 6-wk-old ILK-deficient mice have higher glucose tolerance and decreased net glycogen synthesis. Additionally, ILK was shown to be necessary for transcription of mitochondrial-related genes, oxidative metabolism, and maintenance of cellular energy status. Thus, ILK is required for maintaining hepatic transcriptional and metabolic programs that sustain oxidative metabolism, which are required for hepatic maintenance of glucose homeostasis.
Finite‐Time Synchronization and Synchronization Dynamics Analysis for Two Classes of Markovian Switching Multiweighted Complex Networks from Synchronization Control Rule Viewpoint
Authors: Yang Bin , Wang Xin , Zhang Yongju , Xu Yuhua , Zhou Wuneng
Published: March 2019

This paper is mainly concerned with how nonlinear coupled one impacts synchronization dynamics of a class of nonlinear coupled Markovian switching multiweighted complex networks (NCMSMWCNs). Firstly, sufficient conditions of finite‐time synchronization for a class of NCMSMWCNs and a class of linear coupled Markovian switching multiweighted complex networks (LCMSMWCNs) are investigated. Secondly, based on the derived results, how nonlinear coupled one affects synchronization dynamics of the NCMSMWCNs is analyzed from synchronization control rule. Thirdly, in order to further explore how nonlinear coupled one affects synchronization dynamics of the NCMSMWCNs, synchronization dynamics relationship of the NCMSMWCNs and the LCMSMWCNs is built. Furthermore, this relationship can also show how linear coupled one affects synchronization dynamics of the LCMSMWCNs. At last, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theory.
Significant Clinical Manifestations in Ballantyne Syndrome, after a Case Report and Literature Review: Recognizing Preeclampsia as a Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Navarro-Perez Silvia F. , Corona-Fernandez Karen , Rodriguez-Chavez José L. , Bañuelos-Franco A. , Zavala-Cerna María G.
Published: March 2019

Ballantyne syndrome (BS) also called mirror syndrome is defined by the presence of a clinical triad that includes fetal hydrops and placental and maternal edema. Here we present a clinical case of a 34-year-old woman with a 29 weeks’ pregnancy, who developed BS and fetal loss probably due to failure in prompt recognition of a rapidly growing sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). Due to similarities in clinical presentation with preeclampsia and the importance in early identification of the source for BS, we underwent a literature review in order to identify significant signs and symptoms, as well as sonographic changes, in order to help clinicians to make this prompt recognition, identification of the cause, and early management of BS, which will have an important impact in maternal and fetal survival.
Phytochemical Evaluation, Embryotoxicity, and Teratogenic Effects of Curcuma longa Extract on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Alafiatayo Akinola Adekoya , Lai Kok-Song , Syahida Ahmad , Mahmood Maziah , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi
Published: March 2019

Curcuma longa L. is a rhizome plant often used as traditional medicinal preparations in Southeast Asia. The dried powder is commonly known as cure-all herbal medicine with a wider spectrum of pharmaceutical activities. In spite of the widely reported therapeutic applications of C. longa, research on its safety and teratogenic effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae is still limited. Hence, this research aimed to assess the toxicity of C. longa extract on zebrafish. Using a reflux flask, methanol extract of C. longa was extracted and the identification and quantification of total flavonoids were carried out with HPLC. Twelve fertilized embryos were selected to test the embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at different concentration points. The embryos were exposed to the extract in the E3M medium while the control was only exposed to E3M and different developmental endpoints were recorded with the therapeutic index calculated using the ratio of LC50/EC50. C. longa extract was detected to be highly rich in flavonoids with catechin, epicatechin, and naringenin as the 3 most abundant with concentrations of 3,531.34, 688.70, and 523.83μg/mL, respectively. The toxicity effects were discovered to be dose-dependent at dosage above 62.50μg/mL, while, at 125.0μg/mL, mortality of embryos was observed and physical body deformities of larvae were recorded among the hatched embryos at higher concentrations. Teratogenic effect of the extract was severe at higher concentrations producing physical body deformities such as kink tail, bend trunk, and enlarged yolk sac edema. Finally, the therapeutic index (TI) values calculated were approximately the same for different concentration points tested. Overall, the result revealed that plants having therapeutic potential could also pose threats when consumed at higher doses especially on the embryos. Therefore, detailed toxicity analysis should be carried out on medicinal plants to ascertain their safety on the embryos and its development.
CD38 Deficiency Downregulates the Onset and Pathogenesis of Collagen-Induced Arthritis through the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Du Yuna , Dai Qianqian , Zhang Huiqing , Li Qi , Song Kuangyu , Fu Yingyuan , Min Weiping , Liu Zhenlong , Li Rong
Published: March 2019

Aim. The RelB gene plays an important role in guiding the progression of arthritis. We have previously demonstrated that the expression of the RelB gene is decreased significantly in bone marrow DCs of CD38-/- mice. In this study, we demonstrate that the cluster of the differentiation (CD38) gene could be a potentially therapeutic target for autoimmune arthritis. Method. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) models were generated with both the wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and CD38-/- mice. The expression of the RelB gene and maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from the WT and CD38-/- mice were detected. Antigen-specific T cell responses, joint damage, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed. The effects of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor and its mechanisms were characterized. Results. We demonstrated that in CD38-/- mice, the expression of the RelB gene and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) was decreased, accompanied with the inhibited T cell reaction in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in bone marrow-derived DCs. Compared to the serious degeneration of the cartilage and the enlarged gap of the cavum articular in WT CIA mice, joint pathological changes of the CD38-/- CIA mice revealed marked attenuation, while the joint structures were well preserved. The preserved effects were observed by the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB was also observed in CD38-/- CIA mice. Conclusion. We demonstrate that CD38 could regulate CIA through NF-κB and this regulatory molecule could be a novel target for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory joint disease.
Accuracy of Pretransplant Imaging Diagnostic for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective German Multicenter Study
Authors: Herden Uta , Schoening Wenzel , Pratschke Johann , Manekeller Steffen , Paul Andreas , Linke Richard , Lorf Thomas , Lehner Frank , Braun Felix , Stippel Dirk L. , Sucher Robert , Schmidt Hartmut , Strassburg Christian P. , Guba Markus , van Rosmalen Marieke , Rogiers Xavier , Samuel Undine , Schön Gerhard MSc , Nashan Bjoern
Published: March 2019

Selection and prioritization of patients with HCC for LT are based on pretransplant imaging diagnostic, taking the risk of incorrect diagnosis. According to the German waitlist guidelines, imaging has to be reported to the allocation organization (Eurotransplant) and pathology reports have to be submitted thereafter. In order to assess current procedures we performed a retrospective multicenter analysis in all German transplant centers with focus on accuracy of imaging diagnostic and tumor classification. 1168 primary LT for HCC were conducted between 2007 and 2013 in Germany. Patients inside the Milan, UCSF, and up-to-seven criteria were misclassified with definitive histologic results in 18%, 15%, and 11%, respectively. Patients pretransplant outside the Milan, UCSF, and up-to-seven criteria were otherwise misclassified in 34%, 43%, and 41%. Recurrence-free survival correlated with classification by posttransplant histological report, but not pretransplant imaging diagnostic. Univariate analysis revealed tumor size, vascular invasion, and grading as significant parameters for outcome, while tumor grading was the only parameter persisting by multivariate testing.Conclusion. There was a relevant percentage (15-40%) of patients misclassified by imaging diagnosis at a time prior to LI-RADS and guidelines to improve imaging of HCC. Outcome analysis showed a good correlation to histological, in contrast poor correlation to imaging diagnosis, suggesting an adjustment of the LT selection and prioritization criteria.
Transverse Deformations and Structural Phenomenon as Indicators of Steel Fibred High-Strength Concrete Nonlinear Behavior
Authors: Iskhakov Iakov , Ribakov Yuri
Published: March 2019

As known, high-strength compressed concrete elements have brittle behavior, and elastic-plastic deformations do not appear practically up to their ultimate limit state (ULS). This problem is solved in modern practice by adding fibers that allow development of nonlinear deformations in such elements. As a rule, are applied steel fibers that proved high efficiency and contribute ductile behavior of compressed high-strength concrete (HSC) elements as well as the desired effect at long-term loading (for other types of fibers, the second problem is still not enough investigated). However, accurate prediction of the ULS for abovementioned compression elements is still very important and current. With this aim, it is proposed to use transverse deformations in HSC to analyze compression elements' behavior at stages close to ultimate. It is shown that, until the appearance of nonlinear transverse deformations (cracks formation), these deformations are about 5-6 times lower than the longitudinal ones. When cracks appear, the tensile stress-strain relationship in the transverse direction becomes nonlinear. This fact enables to predict that the longitudinal deformations approach the ultimate value. Laboratory tests were carried out on 21 cylindrical HSC specimens with various steel fibers content (0, 20, 30, 40, and 60 kg/m3). As a result, dependences of transverse deformations on longitudinal ones were obtained. These dependences previously proposed by the authors’ concept of the structural phenomenon allow proper estimation of the compressed HSC state up to failure. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical results forms a basis for further development of modern steel fibered HSC theory and first of all nonlinear behavior of HSC.
Patient, Family, and Center-Based Factors Associated with Attrition in Neonatal Clinical Research: A Prospective Study
Authors: DeMauro Sara B. , Bellamy Scarlett L. , Fernando Melissa , Hoffmann Julie , Gratton Teresa , Schmidt Barbara ,   PROP Investigators
Published: March 2019

Background: Attrition, or loss to follow-up, presents a significant threat to the integrity and validity of longitudinal clinical research. Little is known about predictors of attrition in neonatal clinical research, and no prior studies have examined how families’ experiences participating in research with their infants influences study compliance. Objective: To identify novel factors that were associated with attrition over 1 year of study follow-up among preterm infants enrolled in the multicenter Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) observational study. Methods: At discharge, research coordinators estimated the likelihood of attrition. The parents completed questionnaires about their experience with the study at discharge and at 1 year corrected age. The primary endpoint was completion of 4 PROP interviews during the first year. Logistic models were used to evaluate the associations between infant, family, and center-based characteristics and attrition. Results: Among 318 children, 283 (89%) met the primary endpoint. In bivariate analyses, lower maternal education, more people in the household, public insurance, and site were associated with attrition (p < 0.05). Parent survey responses, infant characteristics, and site characteristics were unrelated to attrition. Coordinators’ prediction of attrition was associated with completion of early study interviews; this effect waned over time. In multivariable analyses, lower maternal education and more people in the household were the factors most strongly associated with attrition. Conclusion: Future neonatal research should evaluate novel strategies to decrease the burden associated with study participation and reinforcement of study goals with families who have lower educational levels to facilitate participation and decrease attrition bias.
Uveal Melanoma Metastatic to the Liver: Treatment Trends and Outcomes
Authors: Xu Lucy T. , Funchain Pauline F. , Bena James F. , Li Manshi , Tarhini Ahmad , Berber Eren , Singh Arun D.
Published: March 2019

Objective: To describe treatment trends and outcomes of liver metastasis from uveal melanoma. Methods: Retrospective case series of 73 patients with uveal melanoma liver metastasis. Patients were treated first-line with systemic therapy (not including checkpoint inhibitors), checkpoint inhibitors, local therapy or no treatment. Time to metastasis, detection method, and survival data were collected. Time periods were divided between 2004–2011 and 2012–2016. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median PFS and OS for the entire cohort was 4 months (95% CI 3–5) and 15 months (95% CI 11–18), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS and OS across the two time periods. Patients who received no treatment had the shortest OS (median 4.9 months), whereas those treated with local therapy had the longest PFS (median 4.6 months) and OS (median 18.7 months). Having liver metastasis diagnosed by symptoms was associated with a greater risk of mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients who received first-line local treatment had the longest PFS and OS, while patients who received no treatment had the shortest OS. Survival outcomes did not improve for patients including those receiving check point inhibitors.
Growth Hormone Improves Short-Term Growth in Patients with Temple Syndrome
Authors: Brightman Diana S. , Lokulo-Sodipe Oluwakemi , Searle Beverly A. , Mackay Deborah J.G. , Davies Justin H. , Temple I. Karen , Dauber Andrew
Published: March 2019

Background/Aims: Temple syndrome is an imprinting disorder caused by maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14 (mat UPD14), paternal deletion of 14q32 or paternal hypomethylation of the intergenic differentially methylated region (MEG3/DLK1 IG-DMR). Patients with Temple syndrome have pre- and postnatal growth restriction, short stature, hypotonia, small hands and feet and precocious puberty. We sought to determine whether treatment with growth hormone improves growth outcomes in patients with Temple syndrome. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study reviewing the medical records of 14 patients with Temple syndrome, 7 of whom were treated with growth hormone. Results: After 1 year of growth hormone treatment, the height standard deviation score (SDS) increased a median of 1.31 SDS with a median increased height velocity of 5.30 cm/year. Conclusions: These results suggest short-term improvement in height SDS with growth hormone treatment similar to the response in patients treated under the small for gestational age indication. We recommend considering growth hormone therapy in all patients with Temple syndrome who have short stature.
Combination of Immunotherapy and Brain Radiotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Galli Giulia , Cavalieri Stefano , Di Guardo Lorenza , Cimminiello Carolina , Nichetti Federico , Corti Francesca , Garcia Monica Alicia , Pappalardi Brigida , Fallai Carlo , de Braud Filippo , Platania Marco , Del Vecchio Michele
Published: March 2019

Background: Up to 40% of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) develop brain metastases. Radiotherapy (RT) may potentiate the effects of immunotherapy (IO), even on distant sites (abscopal effect). Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all our MM patients treated with IO within 6 months before/after brain RT between 2012 and 2016. Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with those of controls treated with IO during the same period. Results: Thirty-six cases and 25 controls were identified. Among cases, 23 patients received an anti-CTLA4 agent and 13 an anti-PD1 agent. Eighteen cases were treated with stereotactic RT and 18 with whole-brain RT. Median PFS from the beginning of RT was 4 months in first-line and 2 months in second-line treatment. A third of the cases progressed at first evaluation after RT. Median OS from the beginning of RT was 7 months in first-line and 4 months in second-line treatment. Median PFS and OS of each treatment line showed a trend towards inferiority compared with those of controls. Conclusion: Synergism between RT and IO was not observed in our case series. No cases of abscopal effect were seen, and most patients underwent early systemic progression after RT.
Sentinel Node Biopsy in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zarifmahmoudi Leili , Ghorbani Hamidreza , Sadri Kayvan , Tavakkoli Mahmoud , Keshvari Maliheh , Salehi Maryam , Sadeghi Ramin
Published: March 2019

Objectives: To determine the application of sentinel node biopsy in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Pooled false negative rate and detection rate were presented using Meta-Disc (version 1.4), and comprehensive meta-analysis (version 2). Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed using funnel plot, Cochrane Q test, and I2 index. Results: The pooled detection rate was 91% (95% CI 87–93%) and pooled sensitivity was 79% (95% CI 0.69–0.86%). When the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group of patients was omitted, the pooled sensitivity changed to 82% (95% CI 74–88%), and the Cochrane Q and I2 statistics were 15.44 and 48.2%, respectively. The pooled sensitivity of studies that included > 50% of pT 3 or 4 patients was 70% (59–80), by omitting studies that enrolled > 50% of patients at pT stage of 3 or 4, the pooled sensitivity increased to 93% (81–98). Conclusions: Although the studies on SN biopsy of muscle invasive bladder cancer patients resulted in a high detection rate and sensitivity, further validated multicenter trials with larger sample size are essential to confirm the reliability and accuracy of this approach and obtain a standardized method. We showed that pT1 or pT2 bladder cancer patients with clinically negative lymph nodes are the most appropriated group for sentinel lymph node mapping.
Deletion of Chromosome 13 due to Different Rearrangements and Impact on Phenotype
Authors: Bellucco Fernanda T. , Rodrigues de Oliveira-Júnior Hélio , Santos Guilherme Roberta , Bragagnolo Silvia , Alvarez Perez Ana B. , Ayres Meloni Vera , Melaragno Maria I.
Published: March 2019

Patients with deletion of chromosome 13 present with variable clinical features, and the correlation between phenotype and genomic aberration is not well established in the literature, mainly due to variable sizes of the deleted segments and inaccuracy of breakpoint mapping. In order to improve the genotype-phenotype correlation, we obtained clinical and cytogenomic data from 5 Brazilian patients with different chromosome 13 deletions characterized by G-banding and array techniques. Breakpoints were nonrecurrent, with deletion sizes ranging from 3.8 to 43.3 Mb. Our patients showed some classic features associated with 13q deletion, independent of the location and size of the deletion: hypotonia, growth delay, psychomotor developmental delay, microcephaly, central nervous system anomalies, and minor facial dysmorphism as well as urogenital and limb abnormalities. Comparisons between the literature and our patients' data allowed us to narrow the critical regions that were previously reported for microphthalmia and urogenital abnormalities, indicating that gene haploinsufficiency of ARHGEF7, PCDH9 and DIAPH3, of MIR17HG and GPC6, and of EFNB2 may contribute to microcephaly, cardiovascular disease, and urogenital abnormalities, respectively. The knowledge about genes involved in the phenotypic features found in 13q deletion patients may help us to understand how the genes interact and contribute to their clinical phenotype, improving the patient's clinical follow-up.
Management of Hodgkin Lymphoma in a Sickle Cell Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Ashraf Farah , Kancharla Pragnan , Goldfinger Mendel
Published: March 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin mutation in red blood cells, with a patient population that is increasing in age in recent decades due to advances in modern medicine. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a cancer of white blood cells, and while concomitance of SCD and Hodgkin’s has been reported, a discussion of treatment for HL in SCD is lacking from the literature. We present a case of effectively treated HL in SCD and put forth that the regimen used is a practical choice, and as it was completed fully as outpatient, it improved the patient’s quality of life compared to an inpatient regimen.
Impact of Metastatic Lymph Node to Total Lymph Node Ratio on Survival of Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Tangjitgamol Siriwan , Kittisiam Thannaporn , Sriraumpuch Jittrind
Published: March 2019

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic role of metastatic lymph node (MLN), total lymph nodes (TLN) and MLN to TLN ratio in advanced-stage endometrial cancer (EMC). ­Methods: EMC patients who had complete surgical staging between January 1995 and May 2017 and were in stage IIIC–IVB with pelvic and/or para-aortic nodal metastasis were identified. Data collected were age, stage, histopathology, TLN and MLN numbers, adjuvant treatment, disease status, and living status. The association of lymph node ratio (LNR), presented as a percentage of MLN to TLN, and other clinicopathologic factors with progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was studied. Results: Among 82 patients identified, mean age was 59.5 ± 10.7 years. Majority had stage IIIC1 (45.1%) and endometrioid histopathology (65.9%). After surgery, 71 patients (86.6%) had adjuvant treatment. After a median follow-up of 29.8 months (range 0.40–257.5 months), 43 patients (52.4%) had progression or recurrences. Total of 40 patients (48.8%) were dead from cancer. By univariable analyses, significant poor prognostic factors for PFS and CSS (hazard ratios [HRs]) were age ≥50 years (2.43), stage IV (3.26), nonendometrioid histopathology (2.87), ovarian involvement (2.40), TLN (2.07), LNR (2.82), and adjuvant treatment (3.58). Only adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy, but none of LN features, remained significant by multivariable analyses with HR of 2.27 for PFS and 3.04 for CSS. Conclusion: This study found that TLN, LNR, age, stage, histopathology, ovarian involvement, and adjuvant treatment were prognostic factors for survival in advanced-stage EMC. Only the adjuvant treatment of radiation with or without chemotherapy was the only independent significant prognostic factor.
Relationship of Neighborhood Greenness to Heart Disease in 249 405 US Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Wang Kefeng , Lombard Joanna , Rundek Tatjana , Dong Chuanhui , Gutierrez Carolina Marinovic , Byrne Margaret M. , Toro Matthew , Nardi Maria I. , Kardys Jack , Yi Li , Szapocznik José , Brown Scott C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Nature exposures may be associated with reduced risk of heart disease. The present study examines the relationship between objective measures of neighborhood greenness (vegetative presence) and 4 heart disease diagnoses (acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation) in a population‐based sample of Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods and Results

The sample included 249 405 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older whose location (
ZIP
+4) in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, did not change from 2010 to 2011. Analyses examined relationships between greenness, measured by mean block‐level normalized difference vegetation index from satellite imagery, and 4 heart disease diagnoses. Hierarchical regression analyses, in a multilevel framework, assessed the relationship of greenness to each heart disease diagnosis, adjusting successively for individual sociodemographics, neighborhood income, and biological risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia). Higher greenness was associated with reduced heart disease risk, adjusting for individual sociodemographics and neighborhood income. Compared with the lowest tertile of greenness, the highest tertile of greenness was associated with reduced odds of acute myocardial infarction by 25% (odds ratio, 0.75; 95%
CI
, 0.63–0.90), ischemic heart disease by 20% (odds ratio, 0.80; 95%
CI
, 0.77–0.83), heart failure by 16% (odds ratio, 0.84; 95%
CI
, 0.80–0.88), and atrial fibrillation by 6% (odds ratio, 0.94; 95%
CI
, 0.87–1.00). Associations were attenuated after adjusting for biological risk factors, suggesting that cardiometabolic risk factors may partly mediate the greenness to heart disease relationships.

Conclusions

Neighborhood greenness may be associated with reduced heart disease risk. Strategies to increase area greenness may be a future means of reducing heart disease at the population level.
Effectiveness and Safety of Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant and Warfarin in Cirrhotic Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lee Hsin‐Fu , Chan Yi‐Hsin , Chang Shang‐Hung , Tu Hui‐Tzu , Chen Shao‐Wei , Yeh Yung‐Hsin , Wu Lung‐Sheng , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Kuo Chi‐Tai , See Lai‐Chu
Published: March 2019

Background

Liver cirrhotic patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation have been excluded from randomized clinical studies regarding oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention. Whether non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (
NOAC
s) are superior to warfarin for these patients remains unclear.

Methods and Results

This nationwide retrospective cohort study, with data collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, enrolled 2428 liver cirrhotic patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation taking apixaban (n=171), dabigatran (n=535), rivaroxaban (n=732), or warfarin (n=990) from June 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. We used propensity score–based stabilized weights to balance covariates across study groups. Patients were followed until the occurrence of an event or the end date of study. The
NOAC
group (n=1438) showed risk of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism and intracranial hemorrhage comparable to that of the warfarin group (n=990) after adjustment. The
NOAC
group showed significantly lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.79];
P
=0.0030) and all major bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.74];
P
=0.0003) compared with warfarin group. Overall, 90% (n=1290) of patients were taking a low‐dose
NOAC
(apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily, rivaroxaban 10–15 mg daily, or dabigatran 110 mg twice daily). The subgroup analysis indicated that both dabigatran and rivaroxaban showed lower risk of all major bleeding than warfarin. The advantage of lower gastrointestinal and all major bleeding with
NOACs
over warfarin is contributed by those subgroups with either nonalcoholic or nonadvanced liver cirrhosis.

Conclusions

NOACs have
a risk of thromboembolism comparable to that of warfarin and a lower risk of major bleeding among liver cirrhotic Asian patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Consequently, thromboprophylaxis with low‐dose
NOAC
s may be considered for such patients.
Determinants of In‐Hospital Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Al'Aref Subhi J. , Singh Gurpreet , van Rosendael Alexander R. , Kolli Kranthi K. , Ma Xiaoyue , Maliakal Gabriel , Pandey Mohit , Lee Bejamin C. , Wang Jing , Xu Zhuoran , Zhang Yiye , Min James K. , Wong S. Chiu , Minutello Robert M.
Published: March 2019

Background

The ability to accurately predict the occurrence of in‐hospital death after percutaneous coronary intervention is important for clinical decision‐making. We sought to utilize the New York Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Reporting System in order to elucidate the determinants of in‐hospital mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention across New York State.

Methods and Results

We examined 479 804 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention between 2004 and 2012, utilizing traditional and advanced machine learning algorithms to determine the most significant predictors of in‐hospital mortality. The entire data were randomly split into a training (80%) and a testing set (20%). Tuned hyperparameters were used to generate a trained model while the performance of the model was independently evaluated on the testing set after plotting a receiver‐operator characteristic curve and using the output measure of the area under the curve (
AUC
) and the associated 95% CIs. Mean age was 65.2±11.9 years and 68.5% were women. There were 2549 in‐hospital deaths within the patient population. A boosted ensemble algorithm (AdaBoost) had optimal discrimination with
AUC
of 0.927 (95%
CI
0.923–0.929) compared with
AUC
of 0.913 for
XGB
oost (95%
CI
0.906–0.919,
P
=0.02),
AUC
of 0.892 for Random Forest (95%
CI
0.889–0.896,
P
<0.01), and
AUC
of 0.908 for logistic regression (95%
CI
0.907–0.910,
P
<0.01). The 2 most significant predictors were age and ejection fraction.

Conclusions

A big data approach that utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms identifies new associations among risk factors and provides high accuracy for the prediction of in‐hospital mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Sign/or/Sigm: Freud and the Name of Signorelli
Authors: Damisch Hubert
Published: March 2019

In December 1972, French art-historian/philosopher Hubert Damisch, who was a senior fellow of the Society of the Humanities at Cornell, gave a public lecture on the Freud-Signorelli case, which is published here for the first time. Damisch discusses the theoretical montage proposed by Freud and attempts to evaluate the impact of the language games analyzed by the psychoanalyst for the study of visual objects. Moreover, the case allowed Damisch to reflect on how a work of art involves the spectator-analyst and how this relationship affects interpretation. This essay was Damisch's first to address the Freud-Signorelli case, and it can be considered as the nucleus of his article “Le maître, c'est lui (He is the master),” published in Savoir et Clinique in 2010, and more generally of a book that was to remain in manuscript, La machine d'Orvieto.
A new species and five new records of the family Echiniscidae (Tardigrada) from China
Authors: LI XIAO CHEN , WANG LI ZHI , LIU YING , SU LI NA
Published: March 2019

A new species of the genus Pseudechiniscus, Pseudechiniscus papillosus sp. nov., is described and figured in this paper. This new species differs from the other species of the genus Pseudechiniscus by plate sculpture that consists of many papillae-like projections. Four new records of Echiniscus species and one new record of a Pseudechiniscus species are also reported in this article: Echiniscus cheonyoungi Moon & Kim, E. melanophthalmus Bartoš, E. nepalensis Dastych, E. trisetosus Cuénot and Pseudechiniscus asper Abe Utsugi & Takeda.
A key to adult Amazonian stonefly genera with new geographical records of Enderleina Jewett for Brazil and first description of the E. froehlichi Ribeiro-Ferreira female (Insecta: Plecoptera)
Authors: RIBEIRO JOSÉ MOACIR FERREIRA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: March 2019

A key to the adults of the Brazilian Amazonian Plecoptera genera is presented. Enderleina froehlichi Ribeiro-Ferreira is redescribed from the holotype male, and the female is described for the first time. New Brazilian records are provided for E. yano Stark and E. flinti Stark.
New giant pill-millipede species from the littoral forest of Madagascar (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zoosphaerium)
Authors: WESENER THOMAS , SIERWALD PETRA
Published: March 2019

Two new species of the Malagasy sphaerotheriid genus Zoosphaerium, Z. villosum sp. nov., and Z. arborealis sp. nov., are described. Characters of a shiny black new putative species of the genus Zoosphaerium are described and illustrated. Zoosphaerium alluaudi DeSaussure & Zehntner is redescribed. The characters defining the genus Zoosphaerium are summarized: three jointed anterior telopods, first joint with a stridulation organ termed ‘harp’ composed out of 1–2 stridulation ribs. Females with stridulation ribs on the subanal plate, termed ‘washboard’. Operculum of female vulva constricted in the middle (‘subreniform’). 6 th joint of antennae of cylindrical shape. The nomenclatural history of the genus name is discussed. The intraspecific variability of many characters commonly used to delineate species within the genus Zoosphaerium and other members of the order Sphaerotheriida is analyzed in detail. Ontogenetic changes in the female vulva and the male telopods are discussed and illustrated.Zwei neue Arten der Madagassischen Gattung Zoosphaerium, Z. villosum sp. nov. und Z. arborealis sp. nov., werden beschrieben. Merkmale einer wahrscheinlich neuen, aber hier nicht benannten Art der Gattung werden beschrieben und illustriert. Die Art Zoosphaerium alluaudi DeSaussure & Zehntner, 1902 wird wiederbeschrieben. Die nomenklatorische Geschichte und die Merkmale der Gattung Zoosphaerium werden zusammengefasst. Mitglieder der Gattung zeichnen sich durch folgende Merkmale aus: Dreigliedrige anteriore Telopoden mit einem Stridulationsorgan auf dem ersten Glied, welches aus 1–2 Stridulationsrippen besteht und als Harfe bezeichnet wird. Weibchen mit mehreren Stridulationsrippen auf der Subanalplatte, „washboard“ genannt. Operculum der weiblichen Vulva am Oberrand in der Mitte eingebuchtet (subreniform). 6. Antennenglied zylindrisch geformt. Die intraspezifische Variabilität mehrerer in der Gattung Zoosphaerium häufig benutzter Artmerkmale wurde untersucht. Formenwandel der weiblichen Vulven und männlicher Telopoden während der Ontogenie werden beschrieben und abgebildet.
Whiteflies of Belize (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)Part 2óa review of the subfamily Aleyrodinae Westwood
Authors: MARTIN JON H.
Published: March 2019

A field survey of Sternorrhyncha (Hemiptera) in Belize, principally conducted within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve (CFR), has revealed almost 200 species of whiteflies, all but 40 of them belonging to the subfamily Aleyrodinae. Provided here is an illustrated account of described Belize species of Aleyrodidae-Aleyrodinae. This account proposes three new generic synonymies, three new specific synonymies, nine ten combinations, one revalidated species and provides descriptions of three new genera and 12 new species. Two appendices are provided: a check list, which includes species remaining undescribed, and the associated host-plant genera or families (when known) of all putative species; and a summary of taxonomic changes proposed here. Line drawings and/or photographs of slide-mounted puparia are provided for all described species, and photographs alone are provided for a few of the more distinctive species that remain undescribed.
A taxonomic review of the Night Frog genus Nyctibatrachus Boulenger, 1882 in the Western Ghats, India (Anura: Nyctibatrachidae) with description of twelve new species
Authors: BIJU S. D. , BOCXLAER INES VAN , MAHONY STEPHEN , DINESH K. P. , RADHAKRISHNAN C. , ZACHARIAH ANIL , GIRI VARAD , BOSSUYT FRANKY
Published: March 2019

A taxonomic revision of the genus Nyctibatrachus is presented. As a result, we recognize 27 species, 12 of which are new to science and described herein. Three ‘lost’ species—Nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris, Nyctibatrachus sylvaticus and Nannobatrachus kempholeyensis are rediscovered after their original descriptions and the latter two species are neotypified. Four species are lectotypified (Nannobatrachus beddomii, Nyctibatrachus deccanensis, Nyctibatrachus major and Nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris). The taxonomic revision and description of new species is based on new morphological, behavioural, ecological and molecular data from available type specimens and/or recent collections from throughout the distribution range of Nyctibatrachus. Specimens from the type localities of all previously described species were collected and discussed along with the type specimens. Nyctibatrachus sholai is considered a junior subjective synonym of N. deccanensis. Nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris modestus is resurrected from synonymy, but allocated to the genus Fejervarya. A new gland, the subocular gland is introduced to anuran morphological terminology. Both the courtship behaviour and ovipositional sites of four species are described for the first time. The process of fertilisation was carried out in the absence of physical contact between males and females in all four species. Furthermore, previously unreported parental care behaviour is documented for the genus, including biparental egg attendance (probably clutch hydration) and egg guarding (active predator defense). A brief outline of tadpole development from egg to metamorph is provided for Nyctibatrachus aliciae, with figures of the major developmental stages.
A revision of the genus Stictobura Crotch and description of a new species of Sticholotis Crotch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Sticholotidinae)
Authors: POORANI J. , VANDENBERG NATALIA J. , BOOTH R. G.
Published: March 2019

The species of Stictobura Crotch (1874) (Coccinellidae: Sticholotidinae) are revised. Stictobura gibbula (Weise, 1908) indeed belongs to Sticholotis Crotch (1874) under which it was originally described (stat. rev.) and is removed from Stictobura. Stictobura buruensis Korschefsky (1944) is transferred to Sticholotis (new combination). Lectotypes are designated for Sticholotis (Apterolotis) andrewesi Weise (1908), Sticholotis (Apterolotis) gibbula Weise (1908), Stictobura semipolita Sicard (1911), and Stictobura rubroguttata Sicard (1925). The species of Stictobura are keyed and notes on biology are provided wherever available. Sticholotis magnostriata sp. n., which is externally similar to the species of Stictobura, is described from India (Assam).
Chewing lice of the genus Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from the Cardinalidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae and Thraupidae (Aves: Passeriformes) from Costa Rica, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: KOUNEK FILIP , SYCHRA OLDRICH , CAPEK MIROSLAV , LIPKOVA ALEXANDRA , LITERAK IVAN
Published: March 2019

A total of 376 individuals of 35 bird species belonging to the families Cardinalidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae, and Thraupidae were examined for chewing lice in Costa Rica in 2004, 2009 and 2010. A total of 128 birds of 19 species were parasitised with 17 species of Myrsidea. Descriptions and illustrations are given for four new species of Myrsidea. These new species and their type hosts are: Myrsidea bidentata ex Piranga bidentata (Cardinalidae), M. dolejskae ex Arremon brunneinucha (Emberizidae), M. roubalovae ex Ramphocelus sanguinolentus (Thraupidae), and M. rubica ex Habia rubica (Cardinalidae). Records of new host-louse associations are: Chlorospingus ophthalmicus (Emberizidae) and Euphonia hirundinacea (Fringillidae) for M. violaceae, Ramphocelus costaricensis (Thraupidae) for M. fusca, and Tangara dowii (Thraupidae) for M. bonariensis. Records of ten other louse species of the genus Myrsidea from birds belonging to these families are also presented and discussed.
Reinstatement of the genus Capicua Navás with descriptions of two new species (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: MICHEL BRUNO , AKOUDJIN MASSOUROUDINI
Published: March 2019

The genus Capicua Navás, 1921, synonymised with Geyria Esben-Petersen, 1920 by Stange (2004), is reinstated and redescribed. The unique specimen of Capicua fulvicauda Navás, 1921 kept in the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris is designated as lectotype. Two new species of antlions from West Africa are described and tentatively included in Capicua pending more material of the type species C. fulvicauda to verify this placement. Holotypes and paratypes are deposited in the collection of CIRAD/CBGP in Montpellier, France.
Note on taxonomic history, thoraco-abdominal articulation, and current placement of Millieriidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
Authors: ROTA JADRANKA , KRISTENSEN NIELS P.
Published: March 2019

Ditrysia are the largest lepidopteran clade comprising about 99% of the order’s species richness (Kristensen & Skalski 1998). Currently, the group is classified into three superfamilies (Tineoidea, Gracillarioidea, and Yponomeutoidea) plus the large clade Apoditrysia (van Nieukerken et al. in press). A number of 20th century authors have studied morphological features of the second abdominal sternum (sternum II) in Ditrysia, particularly how the various sternal processes articulate with the metathorax (e.g., Börner 1939; Brock 1968, 1971; Kyrki 1983; Minet 1983, 1991). In the clade Apoditrysia, sternum II is highly modified, and this structure is considered the principal morphological synapomorphy supporting the monophyly of the clade (review: Kristensen 2003; see below for details).
Five new species of Ceratoppia (Acari: Oribatida: Peloppiidae) from western North America
Authors: LINDO ZOE
Published: March 2019

I present the systematics and distribution of five new species of oribatid mites in the genus Ceratoppia (Oribatida: Peloppiidae) from western North America. The species are described on the basis of adult morphology using the following character states: number of hypostomal setae, number, length and expression of posterior notogastral setae, length of lamellae and lamellar cusp, length of interlamellar setae, and the shape and dentition of the rostrum. Ceratoppia indentata n. sp. is described from forest floor habitats, while Ceratoppia longicuspis n. sp. and Ceratoppia tofinoensis n. sp. are described from arboreal bryosphere habitats; Ceratoppia offarostrata n. sp. is associated with bark habitats. Ceratoppia valerieae n. sp. was collected from both arboreal and forest floor samples. Distributions of all species are provided based on museum and collection records; C. indentata, C. longicuspis, C. tofinoensis are recorded from coastal temperate coniferous rainforests of the Pacific Northwest of North America, while C. valerieae was found in coastal temperate rainforests and extending along the southern border of British Columbia into eastern Alberta. Ceratoppia offarostrata is collected only from a small number of locations on the west coast of Canada. Comments on other North American Ceratoppia species is given. A morphological key is presented to the described adult species for the genus Ceratoppia in North America.
An overview of the Australian psolid sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Psolidae) with the description of 5 new species
Authors: MACKENZIE MELANIE , WHITFIELD EMILY
Published: March 2019

Four new species of Psolus Oken from Australia are described: Psolus parantarcticus sp. nov. from Macquarie Island, Psolus salottii sp. nov. from South Australia and Macquarie Island, Psolus steuarti sp. nov. from Victoria, and Psolus springthorpei sp. nov. from Queensland. One new species of Psolidium Ludwig from Australia is described: Psolidium oloughlini sp. nov. from King Island. All Australian psolid species are included in the overview: Ceto cuvieria (Cuvier), Psolidium berentsae O’Loughlin & Maric, P. granuliferum H.L. Clark, P. hutchingsae O’Loughlin & Maric, P. karenae O’Loughlin & Maric, P. laperousazi O’Loughlin & Maric, P. marshae O’Loughlin & Maric, P. mccallumae O’Loughlin & Maric, P. minutum (H.L. Clark), P. nigrescens H.L. Clark, P. parmatum (Sluiter), P. ravum Hickman, P. spinuliferum (H.L. Clark), and Psolus antarcticus (Philippi). A key to the Australian species of Psolidae is provided.
A new eriophyoid mite species infesting Schefflera odorata (Araliaceae) in Yunnan Province, southwestern China (Acari: Eriophyoidea)
Authors: XUE XIAO-FENG , LUO JIA , XU YUN , HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: March 2019

A new mite species belonging to the Eriophyidae (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from Kunming, Yunnan Province, southwestern China, is described and illustrated. Calepitrimerus kunmingensis sp. nov. causes erineum on its host plant, Schefflera odorata (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe (Araliaceae), commonly known as the umbrella tree.