bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abiotic Factors Affecting the Cathemeral Activity of Eulemur fulvus in the Dry Deciduous Forest of North-Western Madagascar
Authors: Razanaparany Patrick Tojotanjona , Sato Hiroki
Published: March 2020

Cathemeral primates perform significant amounts of activity during the daylight and dark portions of the 24-h cycle. Most brown lemurs have been reported to be cathemeral. A previous study reported that brown lemurs in Ankarafantsika National Park (ANP) shift their activity pattern from being cathemeral in the dry season to being diurnal in the wet season. From July 2015 to March 2016, we collected data on active behaviour of brown lemurs over 46 full-day and 33 full-night observations, distributed evenly between the dry and wet seasons. This study examined the abiotic factors that potentially allow this seasonal shift from cathemeral to diurnal activity. We analysed the effects of day length (time from sunrise to sunset), nocturnal luminosity, and climatic factors on the diurnal and nocturnal activities of the brown lemurs in ANP using generalized linear mixed models. We found that the brown lemurs were cathemeral regardless of season. Their diurnal activity increased with increasing day length and at high humidity, but decreased on days of high temperature and low lunar luminosity. Their nocturnal activity increased with decreasing day length, during bright nights, at low temperature, and at low humidity. Their diurnal and nocturnal activities decreased during heavy rainfall. These data indicate that the photoperiodic variation entrained their activity rhythm. Bright nights may provide better visibility, advantageous for the detection of predators and food, although it may increase exposure to predators. The modification of activity level with temperature variation can be a behavioural thermoregulation. The high humidity during the wet season probably reduced evaporative cooling, inducing increased body temperature and stimulating water foraging as a potential response to dehydration and active heat dissipation. Investigation on physiological responses to environmental factors is needed to fully understand cathemerality in lemurs. These findings emphasize the flexibility of diurnal and nocturnal activity level of brown lemurs according to the great seasonal variation in tropical dry forests.
Healthcare Costs and Utilization among Patients Hospitalized for Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Shafiq Majid , Ma Xiaomeng , Taghizadeh Niloofar , Kharrazi Hadi , Feller-Kopman David J. , Tremblay Alain , Yarmus Lonny B.
Published: March 2020

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) poses a considerable healthcare burden, but little is known about trends in directly attributable hospital utilization. Objective: We aimed to study national trends in healthcare utilization and outcomes among hospitalized MPE patients. Methods: We analyzed adult hospitalizations attributable to MPE using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) databases from 2004, 2009, and 2014. Cases were included if MPE was coded as the principal admission diagnosis or if unspecified pleural effusion was coded as the principal admission diagnosis in the setting of metastatic cancer. Annual hospitalizations were estimated for the entire US hospital population using discharge weights. Length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and hospital mortality were also estimated. Results: We analyzed 92,034 hospital discharges spanning a decade (2004–2014). Yearly hospitalizations steadily decreased from 38,865 to 23,965 during this time frame, the mean LOS decreased from 7.7 to 6.3 days, and the adjusted hospital mortality decreased from 7.9 to 4.5% (p = 0.00 for all trend analyses). The number of pleurodesis procedures also decreased over time (p = 0.00). The mean inflation-adjusted charge per hospitalization rose from USD 41,252 to USD 56,951, but fewer hospitalizations drove the total annual charges down from USD 1.51 billion to USD 1.37 billion (p = 0.00 for both analyses). Conclusions: The burden of hospital-based resource utilization associated with MPE has decreased over time, with a reduction in attributable hospitalizations by one third in the span of 1 decade. Correspondingly, the number of inpatient pleurodesis procedures has decreased during this time frame.
Integrated Effects of Neonatal Ventral Hippocampal Lesions and Impoverished Social-Environmental Rearing on Endophenotypes of Mental Illness and Addiction Vulnerability
Authors: Chambers Robert Andrew , Sentir Alena M.
Published: March 2020

A wide range of mental illnesses show high rates of addiction comorbidities regardless of their genetic, neurodevelopmental, and/or adverse-environmental etiologies. Understanding how the spectrum of mental illnesses produce addiction vulnerability will be key to discovering more effective preventions and integrated treatments for adults with addiction and dual diagnosis comorbidities. A population of 131 rats containing a spectrum of etiological mental illness models and degrees of severity was experimentally generated by crossing neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHL; n = 68) or controls (SHAM-operated; n = 63) with adolescent rearing in environmentally/socially enriched (ENR; n = 66) or impoverished (IMP; n = 65) conditions. This population was divided into 2 experiments: first, examining NVHL and IMP effects on novelty and mild stress-induced locomotion across 3 adolescent ages; second, looking at initial cocaine reactivity and long-term cocaine behavioral sensitization in adulthood. NVHL and IMP-environmental conditions independently produced remarkably similar and robustly significant abnormalities of hyperreactivity to novelty, mild stress, and long-term cocaine sensitization. The combined NVHL-IMP groups showed the most severe phenotypes across the board, so that the mental illness and addiction vulnerability phenotypes increased together in severity in a consistent stepwise progression from the healthiest rats to those with the greatest loading of etiological models. These findings add weight to our understanding of mental illness and addiction vulnerability as brain disorders that are biologically and developmentally unified in ways that transcend etiological causes, and yet co-intensify with increased loading of etiological conditions. Combining neurodevelopmental and adverse-environmental models of mental illness may provide an approach to identifying and therapeutically targeting cortical-striatal-limbic network mechanisms that generate addiction and dual diagnosis diseases.
In vitro Conversion into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells Is Reduced in Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: García Eva-Maria , Galicia-Carreón Jorge , Novak Natalija
Published: March 2020

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing incidence in clinical practice. AD models have demonstrated that TGF-β signaling is compromised in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the TGF-β-dependent in vitro conversion of CD4+CD25– T cells derived from AD-patients into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ induced Tregs (iTregs) in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: To analyze in vitro iTreg conversion, human CD4+CD25– T cells were cultured on anti-CD3-coated plates in the presence of TGF-β and IL-2 for up to 3 days. Consequently, the underlying mechanism of impaired CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ iTreg generation was explored by focusing on TGF-β signaling. Finally, the functionality of iTregs was investigated. Results: Conversion of CD4+CD25–Foxp3– into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ iTregs was diminished in AD individuals. Impaired iTreg generation was accompanied by a reduced surface expression of GARP (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant), a marker for activated Tregs. A reduced expression of Smad3 mRNA was revealed in CD4+CD25– T cells. Interestingly, the suppressive quality of iTregs was found to be equal in cells derived from AD and healthy donors. Conclusion: The signaling effect of TGF-β receptors on the suppressor quality of iTreg conversion is conserved. Impaired iTreg generation might be a reason for the lack of immune suppression in AD patients and contributes to the chronicity of the disease.
Evaluation of Stress Management and Stress Prevention Using Epigenetic Markers
Authors: Stoffel Martin , Gardini Elena , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Abbruzzese Elvira , Ditzen Beate
Published: March 2020

Stress is associated with mental health problems and physical diseases. Results from basic research indicate that stress-induced dysregulations of bodily stress response systems might mediate these processes. In consequence, many programs to prevent or manage stress have been developed and evaluated using endpoints of these bodily stress systems. Over the last few years, emerging evidence from human and animal studies has indicated that stress also leads to changes in epigenetic signatures. The functional consequences of these changes, among them altered gene expression, have been shown to modulate the psychobiological stress response. Some recent studies now show that psychosocial interventions, such as stress prevention and stress management, can alter epigenetic processes. In this review, we will present an outline on (1) relevant epigenetic mechanisms, (2) the current literature on the association of stress and epigenetics, and (3) mechanisms through which psychological interventions might alter stress-related epigenetic markers.
Effect of Cashew Nut on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Morvaridzadeh Mojgan , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Farsi Farnaz , Akbari Abolfazl , Mostafai Roghayeh , Omidi Amirhossein , Potter Eric , Heshmati Javad
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Nuts are one of the dietary components which appear to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease biomarkers. Studies demonstrate beneficial effects of cash­ews on serum lipids concentration, but results in the literature remain inconclusive. We conducted a review to examine the effects of cashew nut supplementation on serum lipid profile. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE electronic databases from inception until June 2019 without language limitation. Random- and fixed-effects models were used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) for studies. Results: Six randomized clinical trials comprising 531 participants were included in this systematic review. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis model. There were no significant changes for total cholesterol (TC) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: –0.02, 95% CI: –0.32, 0.28), triglycerides (TG) (SMD: –0.01, 95% CI: –0.22, 0.20), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (SMD: 0.09, 95% CI: –0.16, 0.34), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (SMD: –0.18, 95% CI: –0.75, 0.39). Conclusion: The results of this analysis demonstrate that treatment with cashew nut supplementation alone did not significantly change serum levels of LDL, HDL, TC, or TG.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for the Early Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Merdler Ilan , Rozenfeld Keren-Lee , Zahler David , Shtark Moshe , Goldiner Ilana , Loewenstein Itamar Shimon , Fortis Lior , Hochstadt Aviram , Keren Gad , Banai Shmuel , Shacham Yacov
Published: March 2020

Introduction and Objective: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a glycoprotein released by renal tubular cells, can be used as a marker of early tubular damage. We evaluated plasma NGAL level utilization for the identification of acute kidney injury (AKI) among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: 131 STEMI patients treated with PCI were prospectively included. Plasma NGAL levels were drawn prior to PCI (0 h) and 24 h afterwards. AKI was defined per KDIGO criteria of serum creatinine increase. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) methods were used to identify optimal sensitivity and specificity for the observed NGAL range. Results: Overall AKI incidence was 14%. NGAL levels were significantly higher for patients with AKI at both 0 h (164 ± 42 vs. 95 ± 30; p < 0.001) and 24 h (142 ± 41 vs. 93 ± 36; p < 0.001). Per ROC curve analysis, an optimal cutoff value of NGAL (>120 ng/mL) predicted AKI with 80% sensitivity and specificity (AUC 0.881, 95%, CI 0.801–0.961, p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, NGAL levels were independently associated with AKI at 0 h (OR 1.044, 95% CI 1.013–1.076; p = 0.005) and 24 h (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.001–1.036; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Elevated NGAL levels, suggesting renal tubular damage, are independently associated with AKI in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.
High Tolerability of Pitavastatin Therapy: A Case Report of Comparison with other Statins
Authors: Christou Georgios A. , Mprikos Spyridon G , Christou Konstantinos A. , Christou Maria A. , Christou Evangelos A. , Nikas Dimitrios N. , Kiortsis Dimitrios N.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Myopathy is possibly the most clinically relevant statin-induced side effect. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 63-year-old healthy male with mixed dyslipidemia. He developed bilateral myalgia of the forearms with fluvastatin 40 mg/day, pravastatin 20 mg/day, and combination of atorvastatin 10 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg/day. The only hypolipidemic treatment that was tolerable was the combination of pitavastatin 1 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg/day. Discussion: Pitavastatin demonstrated less potential for the development of myalgia compared to the so far considered most tolerable statins (i.e., fluvastatin and pravastatin). All the tested statins were used at the lowest approved dose for clinical use. Conclusion: The combination of pitavastatin 1 mg and ezetimibe appears to be a promising treatment choice for individuals who are intolerant to statin therapy due to muscle complaints.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Universal and Targeted Iodine Supplementation in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tinna Tugsina , Ounjaijean Sakaewan , Tongsong Theera , Traisrisilp Kuntharee
Published: March 2020

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of universal and targeted iodine supplementation strategies. Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving low-risk Thai pregnant women was carried out. The participants were categorized into either the study group, in which iodine supplementation was varied based on median urine iodine concentration, or the control group, which received universal supplementation. Urine samples were collected before the start of treatment and at delivery. The primary outcome was iodine status after each supplementation regime. Results: Two hundred and eight women were randomly categorized into 2 groups, 104 control-group participants and 104 study-group participants. Baseline iodine status in both groups was not significantly different. More than half of the pregnant women were classified as having iodine insufficiency. After supplementation, the proportions of iodine insufficiency in the control and study groups (27.9 and 33.3%, respectively; p value = 0.508) and those of excessive level (19.1 and 11.7%, respectively; p value = 0.247) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, iodine level above the requirement was statistically significantly higher in the control group (47.1%) compared with the study group (30.0%; p value = 0.048). Conclusions: The 2 strategies, universal and targeted supplementation, have comparable effectiveness in prevention of iodine deficiency, but the evidence suggests that targeted supplementation is better in avoiding over-supplementation.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Future
Authors: Neu Josef
Published: March 2020

Progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has been hampered for many reasons. Included among these is the fact that what we are calling “NEC” is likely to represent different disease processes, which need to be delineated before evaluating individual pathogenic mechanisms and attempting to develop predictive and diagnostic biomarkers. Treatment is also likely to be hampered because not all of the different entities called “NEC” will respond to the same regimen. In this review, some of these entities will be discussed in more detail, with suggestions for refining our approach toward improving methods for their diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Endoscopic Transversal Incision and Longitudinal Septostomy (TILS): An Updated Technique for Treating Esophageal Diverticulum
Authors: Hu Hao , Wang Min , Zhu Liang , Zhou Pinghong
Published: March 2020

An esophageal diverticulum is a protruding pouch in a weak portion of the esophageal lining. Previously, our team had reported an endoscopic tunneling technique (submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division) for diverticulum treatment. However, it does not perform well for the diverticulum located in the upper esophagus, where most diverticula are located. Herein, we report a new endoscopic technique, called endoscopic transversal incision and longitudinal septostomy (TILS). TILS provides both larger operational spaces and complete septostomy and can be performed on most types of diverticula, including Zenker’s diverticulum.
Shaping of the Female Human Brain by Sex Hormones: A Review
Authors: Rehbein Elisa , Hornung Jonas , Sundström Poromaa  Inger , Derntl Birgit
Published: March 2020

Traditionally sex hormones have been associated with reproductive and developmental processes only. Since the 1950s we know that hormones can have organizational effects on the developing brain and initiate hormonal transition periods such as puberty. However, recent evidence shows that sex hormones additionally structure the brain during important hormonal transition periods across a woman’s life including short-term fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. However, a comprehensive review focusing on structural changes during all hormonal transition phases of women is still missing. Therefore, in this review structural changes across hormonal transition periods (i.e., puberty, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive intake, pregnancy and menopause) were investigated in a structured way and correlations with sex hormones evaluated. Results show an overall reduction in grey matter and region-specific decreases in prefrontal, parietal and middle temporal areas during puberty. Across the menstrual cycle grey matter plasticity in the hippocampus, the amygdala as well as temporal and parietal regions were most consistently reported. Studies reporting on pre- and post-pregnancy measurements revealed volume reductions in midline structures as well as prefrontal and temporal cortices. During perimenopause, the decline in sex hormones was paralleled with a reduction in hippocampal and parietal cortex volume. Brain volume changes were significantly correlated with estradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels in some studies, but directionality remains inconclusive between studies. These results indicate that sex hormones play an important role in shaping women’s brain structure during different transition periods and are not restricted to specific developmental periods.
Elevated Blood Pressure in Childhood or Adolescence and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adulthood
Authors: Yang Lili , Magnussen Costan G. , Yang Liu , Bovet Pascal , Xi Bo
Published: March 2020

There remains some uncertainty about the magnitude of the associations between elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood or adolescence and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood. We summarized evidence on the long-term impact of elevated BP in childhood or adolescence on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to August 1, 2019, and retrieved studies were reviewed manually. Our systematic review included all eligible prospective cohort studies on the associations between BP status in childhood or adolescence and intermediate markers or hard outcomes of cardiovascular disease in adults, including high pulse wave velocity, high carotid intima-media thickness, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiovascular disease (fatal and nonfatal) and total mortality. A total of 19 articles were finally included, and 12 could be synthesized by meta-analysis. Elevated BP in childhood or adolescence was significantly associated, in adulthood, with high pulse wave velocity (3 articles, N=3725; pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.83 [95% CI, 1.39–2.40]); high carotid intima-media thickness (2 articles, N=4152; OR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.29–2.00]); and left ventricular hypertrophy (2 articles, N=3019; OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.20–1.64]). Additionally, our systematic review also shows evidence of associations of elevated BP in youth with cardiovascular disease and mortality in adulthood. In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that elevated BP in childhood or adolescence is associated with several intermediate markers and hard outcomes of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. These findings emphasize the importance for children and adolescents to have their BP within normal values.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Leptosillia cordylinea sp. nov. from China

Authors: SENANAYAKE INDUNIL C. , JEEWON RAJESH , HYDE KEVIN D. , BHAT JAYARAMA D. , CHEEWANGKOON RATCHADAWAN
Published: March 2020

A survey of monocotyledon plant-inhabiting fungi in Guangdong Province, China, revealed a leptosillia-like taxon from living leaves of Cordyline fruticosa in the Shenzhen University garden. Phylogenetic relationships were investigated based on morphology and combined analysis of the ITS, LSU, RPB2, β-tubulin and tef 1–α gene sequence data. Based on ecological, morphological and phylogenetic data, we introduce Leptosillia cordylinea sp. nov. with a description and illustrations. The morphology of other Leptosillia species is reviewed and a taxonomic key is provided.
Parkinsonia glauca (Caesalpinioideae, Leguminosae), a new combination and status

Authors: ROMÃO MARCOS VINICIUS VARJÃO , MANSANO VIDAL DE FREITAS
Published: March 2020

A phylogenetic study with chloroplast molecular data for the trnL-F, rbcL and rps16 regions from Peltophorum group (Haston et al. 2005) indicated that Parkinsonia Linnaeus (1753: 375) and Cercidium Tulasne (1844: 133) are paraphyletic when recognized as distinct genera (Sargent 1889, Johnston 1924, Carter 1974) and form a well-sustained monophyletic group when considered together. Thus, the phylogenetic topology encouraged Haston et al. (2005) and Felger et al. (2017) to consider Cercidium as synonym of Parkinsonia, which has priority over the former name.
Acanthopagrus datnia (Hamilton, 1822), a senior synonym of Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Valenciennes, 1830) (Perciformes: Sparidae)
Authors: HASAN MOHAMMAD EUSUF , DURAND JEAN-DOMINIQUE , IWATSUKI YUKIO
Published: March 2020

The taxonomic status of the Bay of Bengal nominal sparid species Coius datnia Hamilton, 1822 and Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Valenciennes, 1830) are reviewed and investigated both morphologically and genetically. Because of inadequate description and no type specimen, Coius datnia has recently been considered to belong to Sparidentex, a genus without molarifom teeth. Critical examination of the original description and examination of specimens from the type locality and adjacent areas reveal that Coius datnia belongs to Acanthopagrus, a genus with an inner series of molars. Furthermore, examination of specimens previously recognized as Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Valenciennes 1830), and recent collection of fresh specimens from lower Ganges estuary in Bangladesh, show that morphological differences between Acanthopagrus datnia and A. longispinnis are minor, and they are genetically identical. The longer second anal-fin spine in A. longispinnis (>21% SL) is, in fact, a feature of some younger A. datnia. Accordingly, A. datnia is regarded as a senior synonym of A. longispinnis, and is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of 12 dorsal-fin spines (rarely 11 or 13), 3½ scale rows between the fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line, pelvic and anal-fins pale yellow to yellow with black streaks present in the interradial membranes of anal-fin rays, and caudal fin grey or yellowish grey. A neotype (and neogenotype) has been designated for Acanthopagrus datnia (Hamilton, 1822).
A new species of Alpheus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Alpheidae) from the Arabian Sea, Kerala, India
Authors: DE GRAVE SAMMY , KRISHNAN APSARA S. , KUMAR K. P. ANIL , CHRISTODOULOU MAGDALINI
Published: March 2020

A new species of Alpheus, A. samudra nov. sp., is described from the bycatch of trawlers operating between 275–375 m depth on the Quilon Bank (Kerala, India). The new species belongs to the brevirostris group, but can be easily distinguished from all but one species, by the extremely laterally compressed major cheliped. Alpheus samudra nov. sp. is very similar to A. leptocheles Banner & Banner, 1975 in the form of the major cheliped, but the proportions of the fingers to the palm and the shape of the fingers easily separate both species.
Redescription of Hypostomus carinatus (Steindachner 1881) (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Amazonas basin in Brazil
Authors: ZAWADZKI CLÁUDIO HENRIQUE , DE OLIVEIRA RENILDO RIBEIRO , OLIVEIRA ANDREZA DOS SANTOS , PY-DANIEL LÚCIA RAPP
Published: March 2020

In the midst of the effervescent discussions of climate change and setbacks in national environmental protection mechanisms, the Brazilian Amazon and its ichthyofauna are in the spotlight. Therefore, in this work we redescribe Hypostomus carinatus (Steindachner 1881), a little known medium-sized Amazonian species, providing means for its correct identification and taxonomic stabilization. In this way, based on the analysis of type specimens and recently collected material, H. carinatus is redescribed and its geographical distribution is expanded to the basins of the Branco, Japurá, Juruá, Solimões, Negro, Tapajós, Trombetas and Uatumã rivers. A lectotype of the Plecostomus carinatus is designated herein. Hypostomus carinatus is mainly distinguished from congeners by the presence of four to ten predorsal plates posteriorly surrounding parieto-supraoccipital bone; dark spots on body and fins; by having the dark spots smaller or almost equal to distance among each spot; body carenae armored with odontodes; and compressed head with eyes laterally positioned.
The genus Pulvinaria (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) in China, with description of a new species and a new record
Authors: CAO TONG , FENG JI-NIAN
Published: March 2020

A new species of soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) in the genus Pulvinaria Targioni Tozzetti, 1866 is recorded from Yunnan, China on Pistacia chinensis Bunge. Pulvinaria pistaciae Cao & Feng sp. n. is described and illustrated, based on adult female morphology. Pulvinaria decorata Borchsenius, 1957 is recorded for the first time from China (Henan and Shaanxi). A key to the adult females of Pulvinaria species known to occur in China is provided, and a table to show their distributions in various zoogeographical regions in China.
Six new species of the genus Nazeris (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) from China
Authors: SU JING-JING , LI XIAO-YAN , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: March 2020

This paper reports six new species of the genus Nazeris Fauvel, 1873 from mainland China, namely Nazeris lushanensis sp. nov., N. cuscutus sp. nov., N. baoxingensis sp. nov. and N. megalocephalus sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, N. fulongensis sp. nov. from Guangxi Province, and N. tarandoides sp. nov. from Hubei Province. For all new species included we offer color plates of normal light photos for general morphology and detailed aedeagus structures and one plate of heads of scan electromicroscope photos.
Interactions between Moisture and Tropical Convection. Part I: The Coevolution of Moisture and Convection
Authors: Wolding Brandon , Dias Juliana , Kiladis George , Ahmed Fiaz , Powell Scott W. , Maloney Eric , Branson Mark
Published: March 2020

Realistically representing the multiscale interactions between moisture and tropical convection remains an ongoing challenge for weather prediction and climate models. In this study, we revisit the relationship between precipitation and column saturation fraction (CSF) by investigating their tendencies in CSF–precipitation space using satellite and radar observations, as well as reanalysis. A well-known, roughly exponential increase in precipitation occurs as CSF increases above a “critical point,” which acts as an attractor in CSF–precipitation space. Each movement away from and subsequent return toward the attractor results in a small net change of the coupled system, causing it to evolve in a cyclical fashion around the attractor. This cyclical evolution is characterized by shallow and convective precipitation progressively moistening the environment and strengthening convection, stratiform precipitation progressively weakening convection, and drying in the nonprecipitating and lightly precipitation regime. This behavior is evident across a range of spatiotemporal scales, suggesting that shortcomings in model representation of the joint evolution of convection and large-scale moisture will negatively impact a broad range of spatiotemporal scales. Novel process-level diagnostics indicate that several models, all implementing versions of the Zhang–McFarlane deep convective parameterization, exhibit unrealistic coupling between column moisture and convection.
Interactions between Moisture and Tropical Convection. Part II: The Convective Coupling of Equatorial Waves
Authors: Wolding Brandon , Dias Juliana , Kiladis George , Maloney Eric , Branson Mark
Published: March 2020

The exponential increase in precipitation with increasing column saturation fraction (CSF) is used to investigate the role of moisture in convective coupling. This simple empirical relationship between precipitation and CSF is shown to capture nearly all MJO-related variability in TRMM precipitation, ~80% of equatorial Rossby wave–related variability, and ~75% of east Pacific easterly wave–related variability. In contrast, this empirical relationship only captures roughly half of TRMM precipitation variability associated with Kelvin waves, African easterly waves, and mixed Rossby–gravity waves, suggesting coupling mechanisms other than moisture are playing leading roles in these phenomena. These latter phenomena have strong adiabatically forced vertical motions that could reduce static stability and convective inhibition while simultaneously moistening, creating a more favorable convective environment. Cross-spectra of precipitation and column-integrated dry static energy show enhanced coherence and an out-of-phase relationship in the Kelvin wave, mixed Rossby–gravity wave, and eastward inertio-gravity wave bands, supporting this narrative. The cooperative modulation of precipitation by moisture and temperature anomalies is shown to shorten the convective adjustment time scale (i.e., time scale by which moisture and precipitation are relaxed toward their “background” state) of these phenomena. Speeding the removal of moisture anomalies relative to that of temperature anomalies may allow the latter to assume a more important role in driving moist static energy fluctuations, helping promote the gravity wave character of these phenomena.
Oceanic Density/Pressure Gradients and Slope Currents
Authors: Huthnance John M. , Inall Mark E. , Fraser Neil J.
Published: March 2020

Eastern boundary currents are some of the most energetic features of the global ocean, contributing significantly to meridional mass, heat, and salt transports. We take a new look at the form of an oceanic slope current in equilibrium with oceanic density gradients. We depth integrate the linearized x and y momentum and continuity equations and assume an equilibrium force balance in the along-slope direction (no along-slope variation in the along-slope flow) and zero cross-slope flow at a coastal boundary. We relate the bottom stress to a bottom velocity via a simple boundary friction law (the precise details are easily modified) and then derive an expression for the slope current velocity by integrating upward including thermal wind shear. This provides an expression for the slope current as a function of depth and of cross-slope coordinate, dependent on the oceanic density field and surface and bottom stresses. This new expression for the slope current allows for more general forms of oceanic density fields than have been treated previously. Wind stress is also now considered. The emphasis here is on understanding the simplified equilibrium force balance rather than the evolution toward that balance. There is a direct relationship between the slope current strength, friction, and along-slope forcing (e.g., wind), and also between the total along-slope forcing and bottom Ekman transport, illustrating that “slippery” bottom boundaries in literature are a direct consequence of unrealistically assuming zero along-slope pressure gradient. We demonstrate the utility of the new expression by comparison with a high-resolution hydrodynamic numerical model.
Instabilities and Multiscale Interactions Underlying the Loop Current Eddy Shedding in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Yang Yang , Weisberg Robert H. , Liu Yonggang , San Liang X.
Published: March 2020

A recently developed tool, the multiscale window transform, along with the theory of canonical energy transfer is used to investigate the roles of multiscale interactions and instabilities in the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current (LC) eddy shedding. A three-scale energetics framework is employed, in which the LC system is reconstructed onto a background flow window, a mesoscale eddy window, and a high-frequency eddy window. The canonical energy transfer between the background flow and the mesoscale windows plays an important role in LC eddy shedding. Barotropic instability contributes to the generation/intensification of the mesoscale eddies over the eastern continental slope of the Campeche Bank. Baroclinic instability favors the growth of the mesoscale eddies that propagate downstream to the northeastern portion of the well-extended LC, eventually causing the shedding by cutting through the neck of the LC. These upper-layer mesoscale eddies lose their kinetic energy back to the background LC through inverse cascade processes in the neck region. The deep eddies obtain energy primarily from the upper layer through vertical pressure work and secondarily from baroclinic instability in the deep layer. In contrast, the canonical energy transfer between the mesoscale and the high-frequency frontal eddy windows accounts for only a small fraction in the mesoscale eddy energy balance, and this generally acts as a damping mechanism for the mesoscale eddies. A budget analysis reveals that the mesoscale eddy energy gained through the instabilities is balanced by horizontal advection, pressure work, and dissipation.
The Contrasting Dynamics of the Buoyancy-Forced Lofoten and Greenland Basins
Authors: Ypma S. L. , Spall M. A. , Lambert E. , Georgiou S. , Pietrzak J. D. , Katsman C. A.
Published: March 2020

The Nordic seas are commonly described as a single basin to investigate their dynamics and sensitivity to environmental changes when using a theoretical framework. Here, we introduce a conceptual model for a two-basin marginal sea that better represents the Nordic seas geometry. In our conceptual model, the marginal sea is characterized by both a cyclonic boundary current and a front current as a result of different hydrographic properties east and west of the midocean ridge. The theory is compared to idealized model simulations and shows good agreement over a wide range of parameter settings, indicating that the physics in the two-basin marginal sea is well captured by the conceptual model. The balances between the atmospheric buoyancy forcing and the lateral eddy heat fluxes from the boundary current and the front current differ between the Lofoten and the Greenland Basins, since the Lofoten Basin is more strongly eddy dominated. Results show that this asymmetric sensitivity leads to opposing responses depending on the strength of the atmospheric buoyancy forcing. Additionally, the front current plays an essential role for the heat and volume budget of the two basins, by providing an additional pathway for heat toward the interior of both basins via lateral eddy heat fluxes. The variability of the temperature difference between east and west influences the strength of the different flow branches through the marginal sea and provides a dynamical explanation for the observed correlation between the front current and the slope current of the Norwegian Atlantic Current in the Nordic seas.
Electrically Active Diurnal Pulses in Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Authors: Ditchek Sarah D. , Corbosiero Kristen L. , Fovell Robert G. , Molinari John
Published: March 2020

Recent research has found that diurnal pulses are ubiquitous features of tropical cyclones. To gain further insight into the characteristics of these pulses, a case study of an electrically active (ACT) cooling pulse and an off-the-clock ACT cooling pulse that occurred in Hurricane Harvey (2017) was conducted. Using GridSat-B1 IR brightness temperatures, World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) lightning data, the 85–91-GHz channels on microwave satellite imagers, and Level-II Doppler radar reflectivity data from WSR-88D stations (i.e., NEXRAD), these pulses were found to share many similar characteristics: both propagated outward on the right-of-shear side of Harvey and were associated with elevated cloud ice content and high reflectivity. Additionally, using HRRR model output, both pulses were found to be associated with 1) column-deep total condensate, 2) a surface cold pool, 3) an overturning circulation, and 4) an enhanced low-level jet. These characteristics are similar to those found in tropical squall lines, supporting the tropical squall-line interpretation of diurnal pulses put forth in recent studies. A hypothesis for ACT pulse initiation was then introduced, tested, and confirmed: inner rainbands that propagated outward into a more favorable environment for deep convection reinvigorated into ACT pulses that had tropical squall-line characteristics.
No Home and No Acceptance: Exploring the Intersectionality of Sexual/Gender Identities (LGBTQ) and Race in the Foster Care System
Authors: Grooms Jevay
Published: March 2020

Black youth have been overrepresented in the U.S. foster care system for decades. This, coupled with disparities in treatment and outcomes, has forced all child welfare agencies to take note and influenced policy change, at the federal level. Recently, literature has begun to bring to light the existence of a substantial LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) foster youth population which is overrepresented and underserved. This article offers a comprehensive look at the LGBTQ foster youth population, its vulnerabilities, and its distinct needs. It further contributes to the existing body of literature by exploring the intersectionality of foster youth who identify as Black and LGBTQ.
Screening for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients With Mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Patel Prajay , Antoniou Georgia , Clark Damian , Ketteridge David , Williams Nicole
Published: March 2020

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of rare lysosomal storage diseases with multisystem manifestations, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study comprised a systematic review of literature and hospital guidelines addressing the method and frequency of screening for carpal tunnel syndrome in mucopolysaccharidosis patients and a review of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients seen in the multidisciplinary mucopolysaccharidosis clinic of a pediatric hospital, in order to develop screening recommendations. The literature reported the importance of routine carpal tunnel syndrome screening from early childhood in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I, II, IV, and VI. Screening methods included physical examination, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and ultrasonography. Ten of 20 mucopolysaccharidosis patients in our series underwent carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. Given the high incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome at a young age in mucopolysaccharidosis, the authors recommend performing physical examination and obtaining patient and caregiver history for carpal tunnel syndrome every 6 months from the time of mucopolysaccharidosis diagnosis, supplemented by annual nerve conduction studies in cases with poor history or equivocal examination.
A study of alternative approaches to non-normal latent trait distributions in item response theory models used for health outcome measurement
Authors: Smits Niels , Öğreden Oğuzhan , Garnier-Villarreal Mauricio , Terwee Caroline B , Chalmers R Philip
Published: March 2020

It is often unrealistic to assume normally distributed latent traits in the measurement of health outcomes. If normality is violated, the item response theory (IRT) models that are used to calibrate questionnaires may yield parameter estimates that are biased. Recently, IRT models were developed for dealing with specific deviations from normality, such as zero-inflation (“excess zeros”) and skewness. However, these models have not yet been evaluated under conditions representative of item bank development for health outcomes, characterized by a large number of polytomous items. A simulation study was performed to compare the bias in parameter estimates of the graded response model (GRM), polytomous extensions of the zero-inflated mixture IRT (ZIM-GRM), and Davidian Curve IRT (DC-GRM). In the case of zero-inflation, the GRM showed high bias overestimating discrimination parameters and yielding estimates of threshold parameters that were too high and too close to one another, while ZIM-GRM showed no bias. In the case of skewness, the GRM and DC-GRM showed little bias with the GRM showing slightly better results. Consequences for the development of health outcome measures are discussed.
RRI’s Commitment to Care and Vulnerability of Agrarian Systems: The ‘Problem’ of Rice Straw Burning in India
Authors: Pandey Poonam
Published: March 2020

This paper employs RRI’s mandate of ‘commitment to care’ to understand the ‘problem’ of rice straw burning in India and the possible ways of engaging with it. Straw burning is often framed as a linear technology or policy deficit ‘problem’ in need of an immediate and quick fix. Interventions and solutions emerging from such framings have so far remained ineffective. The ‘commitment to care’ approach enables us to situate the current practices of straw burning in a complex web of relationalities, dependencies, vulnerabilities, and affect. By doing so, the ‘problem’ of straw burning is rearticulated and redefined as a cumulative effect of multiple interventions, transformations, and contradictions that led to the shaping of modern agricultural systems in India. This re-articulation demands for a rethinking of engagement, remedies and responsibilities in ways that move beyond the individualization of blame and action.
The Profile of Microorganisms Responsible for Port-Related Bacteremia in Pediatric Hemato-Oncological Patients
Authors: Gowin Ewelina , Świątek-Kościelna Bogna , Mańkowski Przemysław , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta
Published: March 2020

Patients with pediatric cancer face an increased risk of infections. In most cases, these infections are associated with the use of a long-term central venous catheter. This study describes the epidemiology of a port-associated bacteremia as well as a profile of microorganisms responsible for port-associated bloodstream infections (PABSIs) in pediatric patients with cancer treated in a single center. The retrospective analysis included patients with cancer who had implanted a port, hospitalized between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The medical records of patients were reviewed for demographic characteristics, diagnosis, port-related complications, and their management. Data were collected from patients’ electronic medical records containing complete information on medical examinations and supplementary tests, diagnosis, timing, and type of port-associated complications. In a study period, 277 ports were inserted to 241 patients. A total of 183 094 catheter days were analyzed. Sixteen patients had more than 1 insertion of a port. The commonest observed complication was PABSI (40.07%) and the incidence density was 0.6 per 1000 port-days. Staphylococcus was the most commonly isolated organisms from patients with PABSI. From all port-associated complications, bloodstream infections and mechanical complications were the most often observed complications. The commonest pathogens responsible for PABSI were coagulase-negative staphylococci. Pathogens resistant to standard antibiotic treatment play an important role in PABSI, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis being the predominant pathogen. Port-associated bloodstream infections are a common reason for preterm removal of a port.
Recovery of activity level following total hip arthroplasty in patients less than 60 years of age
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Shingo , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Hayashi Shinya , Takayama Koji , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2020

Background:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a useful treatment for pain relief and functional improvement. THA indications now include younger, more active patients, with improved implant design and bearing materials. We aimed to investigate daily activity level and return to work after THA, about which limited information is available. Moreover, differences in patient background and clinical parameters including size of femoral head and surgical approach were evaluated.

Methods:

A multicentre survey was carried out in patients below 60 years, undergoing THA between 2007 and 2012, at least 1 year after surgery. Primary THA patients with osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia, and no history of postoperative complications were included. The questionnaire included daily activity and occupation levels before and after surgery. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score and occupational classification index were defined, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

The mean preoperative UCLA score in 204 patients was 4.55 which improved to 6.17 after surgery. Pre- as well as postoperative UCLA scores in males were significantly higher than that in females. No differences were observed in other parameters. Return to work rate in males was 94.4%; significantly higher than that in females (52.3%). Younger patients with large head THA were more likely to return to work.

Conclusions:

Most patients showed improved activity levels. Satisfaction levels were higher in young males with large femoral head size. Patients with a higher preoperative work level are expected to have a higher return to work rate.