bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advance of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) in China
Authors: She Haicheng , Kong Debin , Li Yiqiang , Hu Zaiqiang , Guo Hu
Published: April 2019

Compared with other enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques like gas flooding, chemical flooding, and thermal production, the prominent advantages of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) include environment-friendliness and lowest cost. Recent progress of MEOR in laboratory studies and microbial flooding recovery (MFR) field tests in China are reviewed. High biotechnology is being used to investigate MFR mechanisms on the molecular level. Emulsification and wettability alternation due to microbial effects are the main interests at present. Application of a high-resolution mass spectrum (HRMS) on MEOR mechanism has revealed the change of polar compound structures before and after oil degradation by the microbial on the molecular level. MEOR could be divided into indigenous microorganism and exogenous microorganism flooding. The key of exogenous microorganism flooding was to develop effective production strains, and difficulty lies in the compatibility of the microorganism, performance degradation, and high cost. Indigenous microorganism flooding has good adaptation but no follow-up process on production strain development; thus, it represents the main development direction of MEOR in China. More than 4600 wells have been conducted for MEOR field tests in China, and about 500 wells are involved in MFR. 47 MFR field tests have been carried out in China, and 12 field tests are conducted in Daqing Oilfield. MFR field test’s incremental oil recovery is as high as 4.95% OOIP, with a typical slug size less than 0.1 PV. The input-output ratio can be 1 : 6. All field tests have shown positive results in oil production increase and water cut reduction. MEOR screening criteria for reservoirs in China need to be improved. Reservoir fluid, temperature, and salinity were the most important three parameters. Microbial flooding technology is mature in reservoirs with temperature lower than 80°C, salinity less than 100,000 ppm, and permeability above 5 mD. MFR in China is very close to commercial application, while MFR as quaternary recovery like those in post-polymer flooding reservoirs needs further study.
Identification of Potential Transcriptional Biomarkers Differently Expressed in Both S. aureus- and E. coli-Induced Sepsis via Integrated Analysis
Authors: Chen Huan , Li Ying , Li Tao , Sun Hui , Tan Chuyi , Gao Min , Xing Wei , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: April 2019

Sepsis is a critical, complex medical condition, and the major causative pathogens of sepsis are both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Genome-wide studies identify differentially expressed genes for sepsis. However, the results for the identification of DEGs are inconsistent or discrepant among different studies because of heterogeneity of specimen sources, various data processing methods, or different backgrounds of the samples. To identify potential transcriptional biomarkers that are differently expressed in S. aureus- and E. coli-induced sepsis, we have analyzed four microarray datasets from GEO database and integrated results with bioinformatics tools. 42 and 54 DEGs were identified in both S. aureus and E. coli samples from any three different arrays, respectively. Hierarchical clustering revealed dramatic differences between control and sepsis samples. GO functional annotations suggested that DEGs in the S. aureus group were mainly involved in the responses of both defense and immune regulation, but DEGs in the E. coli group were mainly related to the regulation of endopeptidase activity involved in the apoptotic signaling pathway. Although KEGG showed inflammatory bowel disease in the E. coli group, the KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, fructose metabolism, and mannose metabolism in both S. aureus- and E. coli-induced sepsis. Eight common genes were identified between sepsis patients with either S. aureus or E. coli infection and controls in this study. All the candidate genes were further validated to be differentially expressed by an ex-vivo human blood model, and the relative expression of these genes was performed by qPCR. The qPCR results suggest that GK and PFKFB3 might contribute to the progression of S. aureus-induced sepsis, and CEACAM1, TNFAIP6, PSTPIP2, SOCS3, and IL18RAP might be closely linked with E. coli-induced sepsis. These results provide new viewpoints for the pathogenesis of both sepsis and pathogen identification.
Impact of Intensive Lifestyle Modification on Levels of Adipokines and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Metabolically Healthy Obese Women
Authors: Gomez-Huelgas Ricardo , Ruiz-Nava Josefina , Santamaria-Fernandez Sonia , Vargas-Candela Antonio , Alarcon-Martin Ana Victoria , Tinahones Francisco J. , Bernal-Lopez M. Rosa
Published: April 2019

Background. For the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects, it is unclear whether weight loss provides cardiometabolic benefits. Our objective was to evaluate whether changes in adipokine and inflammatory biomarker levels were related to lifestyle modification (with Mediterranean diet and physical exercise program). Methods. 115 women (35-55 years) with BMI of 30-40 kg/m2 and ≤1 metabolic syndrome criteria were included. After a 2-year intervention, participants were classified by percent weight loss: Group 1, <5%; Group 2, ≥5%-<10%; and Group 3, ≥10%. Anthropometric data, inflammatory biomarker (IL-6, TNFa, and hsCRP) and adipokine levels (adiponectin and resistin), and lifestyle program adherence at baseline and 2 years were analyzed. Results. The final sample comprised 67 women. 23 (38.3%) lost <5%, 22 (36.7%) lost ≥5%-<10%, and 22 (36.7%) lost ≥10% of baseline weight. After 2 years, in Group 1, adiponectin, hsCRP, IL-6, and TNFa decreased (-1.2 ng/ml, p=0.003; -2.1 mg/l, p=0.003; -2.4 pg/ml, p<0.001; and -2.4 pg/ml, p=0.001, respectively) and resistin increased (+2.4 ng/ml, p<0.001). In Group 2, hsCRP and IL-6 decreased (-2.0 mg/l, p=0.009 and -2.6 pg/ml, p=0.001) but TNFa increased (+0.2 pg/ml, p=0.02). In Group 3, resistin increased (+3.5 ng/ml, p<0.001) but hsCRP, IL-6, and TNFa decreased (-2.0 mg/l, p=0.009; -2.5 pg/ml, p<0.001; and -4.1 pg/ml, p<0.001). Adiponectin, hsCRP, and physical exercise correlated significantly to subjects’ dietary adherence. Conclusion. Weight loss reduces inflammatory biomarkers in the MHO but induces a deterioration in the adipokine profile, which does not improve with diet and exercise intervention. These findings allow us to clarify mechanisms behind inflammation and metabolic disorder genesis so as to prevent development of obesity-associated comorbidities.
Threshold Dynamics of the Switched Multicity Epidemic Models with Pulse Control
Authors: Wang Xiying , Xu Wei , Wang Wenfeng
Published: April 2019

This paper mainly studies the threshold dynamics of new multicity HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic models with switching parameters and pulse control. The model’s parameters are assumed to be time‐varying functions and switching functional forms in time due to seasonal changes. And the susceptible population is assumed to become infected via shared injections or sexual contacts with infected individuals and pre‐AIDS patients (following infection with HIV but before the full development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome). New threshold conditions are established to ensure the extinction of the disease by using Razumikhin‐type approach. Pulse control strategies are then applied to the multicity epidemic model and analyzed to guarantee their success in eradicating the disease. Numerical examples are performed to support the analytical results.
Identification of Chinese Herbal Compounds with Potential as JAK3 Inhibitors
Authors: Su Dan , Gao Yu-Qiao , Deng Yong-Jie , Zhang Han-Hui , Wu You-Ru , Hu Ying , Mei Quan-Xi
Published: April 2019

The Janus kinases (JAKs) consist of four similar tyrosine kinases and function as key hubs in the signaling pathways that are implicated in both innate and adaptive immunity. Among the four members, JAK3 is probably the more attractive target for treatment of inflammatory diseases because its inhibition demonstrates the greatest immunosuppression and most profound effect in the treatment of such disorders. Although many JAK3 inhibitors are already available, certain shortcomings have been identified, mostly acquired drug resistance or unwanted side effects. To discover and identify new promising lead candidates, in this study, the structure of JAK3 (3LXK) was obtained from the Protein Data Bank and used for simulation modeling and protein-ligand interaction analysis. The ~36,000 Chinese herbal compounds obtained from TCM Database@Taiwan were virtually screened by AutoDock Vina docking program and filtered with Lipinski’s Rules and ADME/T virtual predictions. Because of high occurrence of fake hits during docking, we selected 12 phytochemicals which have demonstrated modulating JAKs expressions among the top 50 chemicals from docking results. To validate whether these compounds are able to directly mediate JAK3 kinase, we have investigated the inhibitory activity using enzymatic activity assays, western blot, and HEK 293 cell STAT5 transactivity assays. The molecular analysis included docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to investigate structural conformations and to explore the key amino acids in the interaction between JAK3 kinase and its putative ligands. The results demonstrated that Cryptotanshinone, Icaritin, and Indirubin exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against JAK3 kinase in vitro. The results also provide binding models of the protein-ligand interaction, detailing the interacting amino acid residues at the active ATP-binding domains of JAK3 kinase. In conclusion, our work discovered 3 potential natural inhibitors of JAK3 kinase and could provide new possibilities and stimulate new insights for the treatment of JAK3-targeted diseases.
Influence of Overlying Caprock on Coalbed Methane Migration in the Xutuan Coal Mine, Huaibei Coalfield, China: A Conceptional Analysis on Caprock Sealability
Authors: Zhang Kaizhong , Liu Qingquan , Jin Kan , Wang Liang , Cheng Yuanping , Tu Qingyi
Published: April 2019

In order to determine the controlling factors affecting coalbed gas migration in the Xutuan coal mine, Huaibei Coalfield, China, overlying caprocks with Quaternary and Neogene formation (loose bed), Paleogene formation (Redbed), and coal-bearing strata were investigated via petrography, lithology, and physical properties according to laboratory tests, theoretical analysis, and on-site exploration. Results indicate that the basic properties of coal were not significantly changed whereas the effect of coalbed gas escape was promoted in the presence of Redbed and loose bed. The pore structure analysis shows that Redbed has well-developed pore connectivity than coal-bearing strata (main components are sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone). Also, the diffusion coefficient and permeability of Redbed and loose bed are proved to be a little different than those of sandstone but are much higher than those of mudstone and siltstone. Based on the aforementioned findings, investigation on the sealing mechanism of overlying caprocks on CBM migration was further discussed, interpreting that the thickness, permeation, and diffusion features are crucial factors for sealing capacity of the overlying caprock. Thus, with the simplification on the thickness of overlying strata, a conceptional analysis was carried out to theoretically estimate the sealability of caprocks from surface drilling holes; it appears, though, that the master factor on coalbed methane accumulation is coal-bearing strata instead of Redbed and loose bed with a poor sealability. In this case, the reliability of the evaluation method could be indirectly validated from the on-site gas content data of the actual coal seam to fundamentally reflect the effect of Redbed and loose bed on gas-escaping, and the impact of coal-bearing strata on gas accumulation in the coal seam.
Serum Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Müller-Thomas Catharina , Tüchler Heinz , Rudelius Martina , Schneider Heike , Pfefferkorn Sabrina , Götze Katharina S.
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: There is growing evidence supporting the role of innate immune deregulation and inflammation in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Vitamin D (VD) is known to be involved in various immune and epigenetic processes. This analysis aimed to evaluate serum VD levels in patients with MDS and to analyze associations between serum VD levels and disease characteristics. Methods: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)-D3), the major form of VD in human serum, were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay in 62 unselected patients with MDS. Associations between serum 25(OH)-D3 levels and disease characteristics were analyzed using Kendall’s tau and two-sided p values. Results: The median serum 25(OH)-D3 level was markedly reduced (17.5 ng/mL). Patients with lower-risk disease features had lower serum 25(OH)-D3 levels than patients with higher-risk disease features with regard to medullary blast counts (16 vs. 31 ng/mL, p < 0.001), the revised international prognostic scoring system (13 vs. 30.5 ng/mL, p = 0.001), and blood counts. Conclusions: We show that patients with lower-risk disease characteristics exhibit lower serum VD levels than patients with higher-risk disease characteristics. Whether these findings might reflect innate immune deregulation has to be investigated in further studies.
Predicting Cognitive Decline and Dementia with the Newly Normed SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test
Authors: Stemmler Mark , Hessler Johannes Baltasar , Bickel Horst
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim of this article was to determine the criterion-related validity of the newly normed SKT (Syndrom-Kurztest) Short Cognitive Performance Test with the onset of dementia as the predicted criterion. Methods: The cognitive ability was tested with the SKT in a sample of 546 cognitively healthy adults aged 65–85 years. New cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia were determined in 3 follow-up investigations at 1-year intervals. Each participant’s cognitive status was rated on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. The cognitive status according to the SKT is presented in terms of a traffic light system. Results: Based on Kaplan-Meier estimators, the trajectories of the different SKT traffic light labels were investigated over 3 years. The trajectories were significantly different, representing differential risks for dementia onset. In comparison to the green group, the hazard ratio (HR) for the development of dementia and MCI amounted to HR 6.63 (95% CI 2.75–15.96) and HR 2.34 (95% CI 1.37–3.99), respectively, in the yellow group, and to HR 25.40 (95% CI 10.73–60.14) and HR 3.83 (95% CI 1.86–7.86), respectively, in the red group. Conclusions: The newly normed SKT showed a high predictive validity for the onset of dementia.
Does the Beta-Lactam Matter? Nafcillin versus Cefazolin for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Burrelli Corey C. , Broadbent Eleanor K. , Margulis Alice , Snyder Graham M. , Gold Howard S. , McCoy Christopher , Mahoney Monica V. , Hirsch Elizabeth B.
Published: April 2019

Background: Antistaphylococcal penicillins have historically been regarded as the drugs of choice for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infections (BSI). However, recent outcomes data compared to cefazolin treatment are conflicting. Objective: This study compared treatment failure and adverse effects associated with nafcillin and cefazolin for MSSA BSI. Methods: Adult inpatients with MSSA BSI between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2015 were included in this retrospective cohort study if they received ≥72 h of nafcillin or cefazolin as directed therapy after no more than 72 h of any empiric therapy. The primary composite endpoint was treatment failure defined by clinician documentation, 30-day recurrence of infection, all-cause 30-day in-hospital mortality, or loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes included antibiotic-related acute kidney injury (AKI), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), hepatotoxicity, and rash. Results: Among 157 patients, 116 (73.9%) received nafcillin and 41 (26.1%) received cefazolin. The baseline characteristics were similar except cefazolin-treated patients had higher APACHE II scores and more frequent renal dysfunction. No difference in the composite treatment failure outcome (28.4 vs. 31.7%; p = 0.69) was detected between the nafcillin and cefazolin groups, respectively. In a sensitivity analysis excluding patients without known follow-up, there was no significant difference of treatment failure. AKI, AIN, hepatotoxicity, and rash were all numerically more frequent among nafcillin-treated patients. Conclusions: Among nafcillin- or cefazolin-treated patients with MSSA BSI, there was no significant difference in treatment failure. Observing more frequent presumptive adverse effects associated with nafcillin receipt, future prospective studies evaluating cefazolin appear warranted.
Repeated Enterocutaneous Fistula in a Munchausen Syndrome Patient
Authors: Hagiwara Toshiaki , Munakata Shinya , Ishiyama Shun , Michitoshi Goto , Takahashi Rina , Kure Kazumasa , Honjo Kumpei , Makino Yurika , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2019

Munchausen syndrome is a rare type of mental disorder in which the patient fakes illness to gain attention and sympathy. Patients may lie about symptoms, make themselves appear sick, or make themselves purposely unwell. We describe a case of repeated enterocutaneous fistula in Munchausen syndrome. A 53-year-old Japanese male was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of a high-flow enterocutaneous fistula. Surgery was performed two times, but the fistula recurred each time. Chopsticks with blood on them were coincidentally detected in the trash in the patient’s room. It was revealed that the enterocutaneous fistula was caused by self-mutilation. A psychiatrist was consulted, and the patient was diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome. The psychiatrist initiated treatment and the patient admitted the self-harm. His prolonged wound site was closed and he was able to be discharged. There has been no recurrence of the self-harm as of this writing, 3 years later. The treatment of Munchausen syndrome is difficult and early detection is important.
A Contemporary High-Volume Center Analysis of Postoperative Complications Following Surgical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Zhang Qiming , Ma Runzhuo , Liu Zhuo , Zhang Shudong , Ma Lulin
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To define preoperative predictors and construct a preoperative multivariable model for prediction of postoperative complications in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after nephrectomy with thrombectomy. Materials and Methods: We identified patients with RCC and level I–IV venous tumor thrombus (VTT) who underwent concomitant radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy between February 2015 and March 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of preoperative factors on the incidence of overall and major postoperative complications within 30 days postoperatively. A nomogram for prediction of postoperative complications was also developed using regression coefficients from the multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 120 patients met inclusion criteria. We reported an overall complication rate of 39.2% and major complication rate of 12.5% within 30 days after surgery, with perioperative mortality rate of 2.5%. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of overall complications included systemic symptoms, comorbidity, level III/IV VTT and serum creatine (SCr) level, while only SCr level was significantly associated with major complications. The internal validation result showed that the accuracy of our preoperative nomogram for overall complications measured by c-index was 0.794. Conclusions: We constructed an accurate preoperative model to predict overall postoperative complications in patients with level I–IV thrombus. External verification is still needed to evaluate its general application.
Structural differences in mammal assemblages between savanna ecosystems of the Colombian Llanos
Authors: Castillo-Figueroa Dennis , Martínez-Medina Daniela , Rodríguez-Posada Miguel E. , Bernal-Vergara Sandra
Published: April 2019

The Colombian Orinoquia region is characterized by a high diversity of mammals, which is associated with complex ecosystems that include large extensions of Neotropical savannas (known locally as “Llanos Orientales”). Despite accelerated anthropogenic transformations in savanna ecosystems, the knowledge to design effective conservation strategies, such as the distribution of mammal assemblages, is still lacking for this region. In this paper, we evaluate if assemblages of medium and large mammals (i.e., species richness, relative abundance and the contribution of the different trophic guilds) are homogeneous across the Colombian Llanos by comparing three savanna ecosystems: floodplains savannas associated with an Andean river, aeolian floodplains savannas and highland savannas. After a sampling effort of 3,150 camera trap/days, we recorded 16 mammal species from the three savanna ecosystems. We compared the three assemblages and their constituent trophic guilds by ANOSIM and SIMPER non-parametric permutation tests. The three assemblages differed in composition, structure and trophic guilds. The floodplains savannas, associated to an Andean river, present the highest diversity, contrastingly, the high-plain associated with the Guyanese Shield presents the lowest diversity. This pattern could be explained due to the greatest floristic diversity, complex vegetation structure and more fertile soils present in the riparian forests of the floodplains savannas, despite being the most anthropogenically transformed. The carnivores were the most variable category and herbivores were the most abundant. Our results show that the diversity of medium and large mammals is heterogeneously distributed in the Colombian Llanos. Therefore, it is necessary to implement targeted conservation strategies according to the characteristics, local fragility of each ecosystem in the territory and each species response by local conditions.
Run to the nest: A parody on the Iron Maiden song by Corotoca spp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)
Authors: Moreira Igor Eloi , Pires-Silva Carlos Moreno , Ribeiro Kézia Gomes , Zilberman Bruno , Bezerra-Gusmão Maria Avany
Published: April 2019

Rove beetles belonging to the genus Corotoca (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) are termitophiles exclusively found in nests of Constrictotermes (Isoptera: Termitidae). We observed the reproductive behavior of Corotoca melantho and C. fontesi during host (C. cyphergaster) foraging events. The reproductive behaviors of both species are similar. The variables collected for analysis were distance traveled, the time of larval deposition, nest return time, and locomotion speed. The fact that the female stops in the middle of the foraging trail to deposit the larva leads to a discussion of how its physiological or voluntary mechanisms function to determine the correct stopping time and the importance of speed when returning to the nest as a strategy to avoid predation. This study provides new information concerning the life cycle of Corotoca spp., although complete understanding of host-termitophile relationships, their evolutionary history, and the significance of viviparity will require additional studies.
Transient Introduction of miR-294 in the Heart Promotes Cardiomyocyte Cell Cycle Reentry After Injury
Authors: Borden Austin , Kurian Justin , Nickoloff Emily , Yang Yijun , Troupes Constantine D. , Ibetti Jessica , Lucchese Anna Maria , Gao Erhe , Mohsin Sadia , Koch Walter J. , Houser Steven R. , Kishore Raj , Khan Mohsin
Published: April 2019

Rationale:

Embryonic heart is characterized of rapidly dividing cardiomyocytes required to build a working myocardium. Cardiomyocytes retain some proliferative capacity in the neonates but lose it in adulthood. Consequently, a number of signaling hubs including microRNAs are altered during cardiac development that adversely impacts regenerative potential of cardiac tissue. Embryonic stem cell cycle miRs are a class of microRNAs exclusively expressed during developmental stages; however, their effect on cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart function in adult myocardium has not been studied previously.

Objective:

To determine whether transient reintroduction of embryonic stem cell cycle miR-294 promotes cardiomyocyte cell cycle reentry enhancing cardiac repair after myocardial injury.

Methods and Results:

miR-294 is expressed in the heart during development, prenatal stages, lost in the neonate, and adult heart confirmed by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Neonatal ventricular myocytes treated with miR-294 showed elevated expression of Ki67, p-histone H3, and Aurora B confirmed by immunocytochemistry compared with control cells. miR-294 enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in Neonatal ventricular myocytes measured by seahorse assay. Mechanistically, miR-294 represses
Wee1
leading to increased activity of the
cyclin B1/CDK1
complex confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Next, a doxycycline-inducible AAV9-miR-294 vector was delivered to mice for activating miR-294 in myocytes for 14 days continuously after myocardial infarction. miR-294–treated mice significantly improved left ventricular functions together with decreased infarct size and apoptosis 8 weeks after MI. Myocyte cell cycle reentry increased in miR-294 hearts analyzed by Ki67, pH3, and AurB (Aurora B kinase) expression parallel to increased small myocyte number in the heart. Isolated adult myocytes from miR-294 hearts showed increased 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine+ cells and upregulation of cell cycle markers and miR-294 targets 8 weeks after MI.

Conclusions:

Ectopic transient expression of miR-294 recapitulates developmental signaling and phenotype in cardiomyocytes promoting cell cycle reentry that leads to augmented cardiac function in mice after myocardial infarction.
Risk Factors for Acute Ischemic Stroke Caused by Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Sofoluke Nelson , Adams Matthew D. , Kunaprayoon Saran , Zand Ramin , Kolinovsky Amy N. , Person Thomas N. , Gupta Mudit , Goren Oded , Schirmer Clemens M. , Rost Natalia S. , Faber James E. , Griessenauer Christoph J.
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Accurate prediction of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) that is amendable to mechanical thrombectomy remains a challenge. We developed and validated a prediction model for anterior circulation LVO stroke using past medical history elements present on admission and neurological examination.

Methods—

We retrospectively reviewed AIS patients admitted between 2009 and 2017 to 3 hospitals within a large healthcare system in the United States. Patients with occlusions of the internal carotid artery or M1 or M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery were randomly split into 2/3 derivation and 1/3 validation cohorts for development of an anterior circulation LVO prediction model and score that was further curtailed for potential use in the prehospital setting.

Results—

A total of 1654 AIS were reviewed, including 248 (15%) with proximal anterior circulation LVO AIS. In the derivation cohort, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at the time of cerebrovascular imaging, current smoking status, type 2 diabetes mellitus, extracranial carotid, and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was significantly associated with anterior circulation LVO stroke. The prehospital score was curtailed to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, current smoking status, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The areas under the curve for the prediction model, prehospital score, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score alone were 0.796, 0.757, and 0.725 for the derivation cohort and 0.770, 0.689, and 0.665 for the validation cohort, respectively. The Youden index J was 0.46 for a score of >6 with 84.7% sensitivity and 62.0% specificity for the prediction model.

Conclusions—

Previously reported LVO stroke prediction scores focus solely on elements of the neurological examination. In addition to stroke severity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, extracranial carotid, and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were associated with anterior circulation LVO AIS. Although atherosclerotic stenosis may not be known until imaging is obtained, smoking and diabetes mellitus history can be readily obtained in the field and represent important elements of the prehospital score supplementing National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score.
ORAI1/STIM1 Interaction Intervenes in Stroke and in Neuroprotection Induced by Ischemic Preconditioning Through Store-Operated Calcium Entry
Authors: Secondo Agnese , Petrozziello Tiziana , Tedeschi Valentina , Boscia Francesca , Vinciguerra Antonio , Ciccone Roselia , Pannaccione Anna , Molinaro Pasquale , Pignataro Giuseppe , Annunziato Lucio
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Disturbance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca
2+
homeostasis causes neuronal cell injury in stroke. By contrast, ischemic preconditioning (IPC)—a brief sublethal ischemic episode affording tolerance to a subsequent ischemic insult—restores ER Ca
2+
homeostasis. Under physiological conditions, ER calcium content is continuously refilled by the interaction between the ER-located Ca
2+
sensor STIM (stromal interacting molecule) 1 and the plasma membrane channel ORAI1 (a structural component of the CRAC calcium channel)—2 key mediators of the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism. However, the role played by ORAI1 and STIM1 in stroke and in IPC-induced neuroprotection during stroke remains unknown. Therefore, we explored whether ORAI1 and STIM1 might be involved in stroke pathogenesis and in IPC-induced neuroprotection.

Methods—

Primary cortical neurons were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation+reoxygenation to reproduce in vitro brain ischemia. Focal brain ischemia and IPC were induced in rats by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Expression of ORAI1 and STIM1 transcripts and proteins and their immunosignals were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry, respectively. SOCE and Ca
2+
release–activated Ca
2+
currents (I
CRAC
) were measured by Fura-2 AM video imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology in whole-cell configuration, respectively.

Results—

STIM1 and ORAI1 protein expression and immunosignals decreased in the ipsilesional temporoparietal cortex of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Analogously, in primary hypoxic cortical neurons, STIM1 and ORAI1 transcript and protein levels decreased concurrently with SOCE and Ca
2+
release–activated Ca
2+
currents. By contrast, IPC induced SOCE and Ca
2+
release–activated Ca
2+
current upregulation, thereby preventing STIM1 and ORAI1 downregulation induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation+reoxygenation. Silencing of STIM1 or ORAI1 prevented IPC-induced tolerance and caused ER stress, as measured by GRP78 (78-kDa glucose regulated protein) and caspase-3 upregulation.

Conclusions—

ORAI1 and STIM1, which participate in SOCE, take part in stroke pathophysiology and play an important role in IPC-induced neuroprotection.
ERASER
Authors: Fiehler Jens , Thomalla Goetz , Bernhardt Martina , Kniep Helge , Berlis Ansgar , Dorn Franziska , Eckert Bernd , Kemmling Andre , Langner Soenke , Remonda Luca , Reith Wolfgang , Rohde Stefan , Möhlenbruch Markus , Bendszus Martin , Forkert Nils D. , Gellissen Susanne
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Using a novel study design with virtual comparators based on predictive modeling, we investigated whether next-generation mechanical thrombectomy devices improve outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that this new study design shows that a next-generation mechanical thrombectomy system is superior to intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) therapy (IVT) alone.

Methods—

ERASER (Eric Acute Stroke Recanalization) was an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, single-arm (virtual 2-arm) study that evaluated the effectiveness of a new recanalization device together with a specific intermediate catheter (Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages/SOFIA, Microvention) in stroke patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusions. The primary end point was the volume of saved tissue. Volume of saved tissue was defined as the difference of actual infarct volume and brain volume predicted to develop infarction using a machine learning model based on data from intravenous tPA therapy patients.

Results—

Eighty-one patients were enrolled. The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range, 61–77). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14 (interquartile range, 12–18). The actual infarct volume was smaller than predicted by the intravenous tPA therapy model, with a median volume of saved tissue of 50 mL (interquartile range, 19–103;
P
<0.0001). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2 at 90 days) was observed in 48 out of 69 (70%). The recanalization rate (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) was 95%.

Conclusions—

ERASER is the first mechanical thrombectomy study with a primary end point based on predictive analytics enabling intraindividual virtual comparisons. The next-generation mechanical thrombectomy method resulted in smaller infarcts than predicted after intravenous tPA therapy alone and showed a high rate of good clinical outcome. The novel study design with virtual comparisons is promising for further application and testing in the neurovascular arena.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02534701.
Rewarding the quantity of peer review could harm biomedical research
Authors: Al-Khatib Aceil , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: April 2019

Voluntary peer review is generally provided by researchers as a duty or service to their disciplines. They commit their expertise, knowledge and time freely without expecting rewards or compensation. Peer review can be perceived as a reciprocal mission that aims to safeguard the quality of publications by helping authors improve their manuscripts. While voluntary peer review adds value to research, rewarding the quantity or the volume of peer review is likely to lure academics into providing poor quality peer review. Consequently, the quantity of peer review may increase, but at the expense of quality, which may lead to unintended consequences and might negatively affect the quality of biomedical publications. This paper aims to present evidence that while voluntary peer review may aid researchers, pressurized peer review may create a perverse incentive that negatively affects the integrity of the biomedical research record. We closely examine one of the proposed models for rewarding peer review based on the quantity of peer review reports. This article also argues that peer review should remain a voluntary mission, and should not be prompted by the need to attain tenure or promotion.
Impact of an Andean breakfast on biochemistry and immunochemistry

laboratory tests: an evaluation on behalf COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM
Authors: Bajaña Wilson , Campelo Marise Danielle , Lima-Oliveira Gabriel , Varela Beatriz , Vega Veronica , Ochoa Patricia , Flores Silvia , Espinoza Edgar , Brennan-Bourdon Lorena Michele , Arredondo Maria Elena , Aranda Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Introduction: In Andean countries, specifically in Ecuador, a food transition in the population has been observed because of economic growth. The Working Group for Preanalytical Phase in Latin America (WG-PRE-LATAM) of the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) was established in 2017, and its main purpose is to study preanalytical variability and establish guidelines for preanalytical procedures in order to be implemented by clinical laboratories and healthcare professionals in Latin America. The aim of this study on behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM was to evaluate whether an Andean breakfast can interfere with routine biochemistry and immunochemistry laboratory tests.
Materials and methods: We studied 20 healthy volunteers who consumed an Andean breakfast containing a standardized amount of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. We collected blood specimens for laboratory tests before breakfast and 1, 2, and 4 hours thereafter. Significant differences between samples were assessed by the Wilcoxon ranked-pairs test.
Results: The Andean breakfast statistically (P ≤ 0.05), modified the results of the following tests: triglycerides, insulin, cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lipase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and uric acid.
Conclusions: Andean breakfast can influence the routine biochemistry and immunochemistry laboratory tests and might expose patient safety to some risks. Therefore, the COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM calls attention and highlights that the fasting time needs to be carefully considered when performing blood testing in order to prevent spurious results and thus, reduce laboratory errors.
Lepiota subvenenata (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota), a new poisonous species from southwestern China
Authors: ZHANG YI-ZHE , ZHANG KAI-PING , ZHANG HONG-SHUN , SUN JIAN , YIN YU , LI HAI-JIAO , SUN CHENG-YE
Published: April 2019

Lepiota subvenenata, a new species in Lepiota sect. Ovisporae, found on leaf litter, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. It is characterized macroscopically by a cream to whitish pileus covered with brownish red to violet-brown squamules, subcylindrical stipe with scattered brownish red to violet-brown squamules towards the base and microscopically by elongate, narrow ellipsoid to cylindrical basidiospores. Amatoxins were detected in this species.
New Central American and Mexican Enoclerus Gahan (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae): Part II
Authors: RIFKIND JACQUES
Published: April 2019

The following nineteen new species are described: Enoclerus anctus, E. hespenheidei and E. citricornis from Costa Rica;E. boquete and E. opitzi from Panamá; E. skillmani, E. melissae and E. urbanus from Costa Rica and Panamá; E. mcnallyi,E. fibrillatus, E. toledoi, E. boblloydi, E. chamelae, E. mocho, E. albidulus and E. crinitus from México; E. gilli and E.regnadkcin from Guatemala; E. cavei from El Salvador. In addition, E. silbermannii aeternitatis n. subsp. is describedfrom El Salvador and Costa Rica. The biogeography of the genus in México and Costa Rica is discussed, based on life zone and habitat records for 95 species.
Biting midges of the genus Leehelea Debenham (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in India
Authors: NANDI MOU , MAZUMDAR ABHIJIT , CHAUDHURI PRASANTA K.
Published: April 2019

The genus Leehelea Debenham is newly recorded in India by four new species, Leehelea brevidensis, L. fuscilateralis, L. magnidentata and L. parvicapsula. Before this investigation, only 5 species were known worldwide and with these additions, the number of world species is raised to 9. A new key to females of all the species is presented here.
The genus Peramphithoe Conlan & Bousfield, 1982 from Korean waters (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Ampithoidae)
Authors: KIM YOUNG-HYO , HONG SOON-SANG , CONLAN KATHLEEN E. , LEE KYUNG-SOOK
Published: April 2019

Four species of the genus Peramphithoe have been recorded in Korean waters. Herein we add two peramphithoid species,Peramphithoe chujaensis sp. nov. and P. eoa (Brüggen). The new species is easily distinguished from congeners by: (1)male antenna 2 with plumose setae ventrally, (2) male gnathopod 2, propodus 0.7 x as wide as long and palm excavated,(3) male pereopods 5–7, meri and carpi expanded, (4) in both sexes, gnathopod 1, carpus subequal in length to propodus.The newly recorded species in Korea, P. eoa is well accorded with the original description. A key to and description ofKorean peramphithoid species is also provided. To examine relationships among species in the genus Peramphithoe fromKorea, a morphological and molecular phylogenetic study was conducted using 657 bp of the gene for the mitochondrialcytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCO1). This gene showed good resolution as a molecular marker for species identification of the genus Peramphithoe in Korea.
Austrobatrachus iselesele, a new toadfish species from South Africa (Teleostei: Batrachoididae)
Authors: GREENFIELD DAVID W.
Published: April 2019

The second known species in the genus Austrobatrachus is described from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its live color-ation is very different from the other known species, A. foedus, having many black spots on the body and solid colored fins. It also has a longer snout and larger eye. The species lives in holes in the reef at depths of 49–50 m.
A new terrestrial talitrid genus from the Philippine Islands (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitrida, Talitridae) and the designation of two informal subgroups
Authors: LOWRY JAMES K. , COLEMAN CHARLES OLIVER
Published: April 2019

Curiotalitrus, a new genus of terrestrial land-hoppers (Amphipoda, Talitridae) is described from rain-forests in the Phil-ippines. Curiotalitrus includes one species: C. curioi (Javier & Coleman, 2010). Informal Talitrus and Orchestia groups are proposed based on the condition of the male second gnathopod.
The bees of the genus Hylaeus Fabricius 1793 of the Asian part of Russia, with a key to species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae)
Authors: PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. , DATHE HOLGER H.
Published: April 2019

Thirty-one species of the bee genus Hylaeus are recorded from the Asian part of Russia. Three species: Hylaeusdolichocephalus Morawitz 1876, H. altaicus Dathe 1986, and H. telmenicus Dathe 1986 are recorded for the first timefrom Russia, and H. angustatus (Schenck 1861) is newly recorded from the Asian part of Russia. Based on type study,new synonymy has been established for Hylaeus stentoriscapus Dathe 1986 = Hylaeus pallescens Cockerell 1924, syn.nov.; Hylaeus atromicans Cockerell 1924 and Hylaeus sinicola Cockerell 1924 = Hylaeus rinki (Gorski 1852), syn. nov.;Hylaeus monostictus Cockerell 1924 = Hylaeus concinnus Cockerell 1924, syn. nov.; Hylaeus nigrocuneatus var.rufipennis Cockerell 1924, Hylaeus brevicuneatus Cockerell 1924, Hylaeus lavrushini Cockerell 1924, and Hylaeusparadifformis Ikudome 1989 = Hylaeus nigrocuneatus Cockerell 1924, syn. nov.; Prosopis transversalis Gussakovskij1932 and Prosopis sericata Warncke 1972 = Hylaeus transversalis Cockerell 1924, syn. nov.; Prosopis heliaca Warncke1992 = Hylaeus dolichocephalus Morawitz 1876, syn. nov.; Prosopis chasanensis Romankova 1995 = Hylaeusaborigensis Dathe 1994, syn. nov.; Hylaeus chasanensis negoroi Ikudome 2004 = Hylaeus aborigensis negoroi Ikudome2004, syn. nov.; Hylaeus monticola Bridwell 1919 = Hylaeus confusus Nylander 1852, syn. nov. The subgenera PatagiataBlüthgen 1949, stat. resurr. and Nesohylaeus Ikudome 1989, stat. resurr. are reinstated. Illustrated keys to the males and females of all species known from the Asian part of Russia are provided.
Two new species of eumenine wasps in the genus Zethus Fabricius (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from the New World
Authors: HERMES MARCEL G.
Published: April 2019

Zethus (Zethus) caetetus sp. nov. (Brazil) and Zethus (Zethus) flaviventris sp. nov. (Costa Rica) are described and figured.Both species belong to the Z. heydeni species group. A total of 218 species of Zethus are currently recognized for the Americas.
Imagos of Camelobaetidius cayumba (Traver & Edmunds, 1968) (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
Authors: LIMA LUCAS R. C. , BOLDRINI RAFAEL , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: April 2019

The genus Camelobaetidius Demoulin (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) is represented in South America by 28 species: 19 of them are described based on nymphs, three based solely on adults, and only six based on nymphs and adults (Salles & Serrão, 2005; Dominguez et al., 2006; Boldrini & Salles, 2009; Salles & Nascimento, 2009; Boldrini et al., 2010). Camelobaetidius cayumba (Traver & Edmunds, 1968) was described from nymphs and can be distinguished, among other characteristics, by the inner margin of the second segment of labial palp pointed, thoracic gill absent at base of forelegs, claws with 15–18 denticles, and terminal filament about as long as cerci. It has been reported from Peru (Traver & Edmunds, 1968), French Guiana (Thomas et al., 2003), and Brazil (Salles & Serrão, 2005). The aim of the present paper is to describe the adults of C. cayumba from reared nymphs. The specimens were collected on rocky substrate of streams, and the adults were obtained by rearing these nymphs in the laboratory. Terms used in descriptions of thorax are in accordance to Kluge (1994). The material examined is housed in the Zoological Collection Norte Capixaba, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, São Mateus, ES (CZNC), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM (INPA), and Entomological Collection of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE (UFPE).
Kinorhyncha from the Iberian Peninsula: new data from the first intensive sampling campaigns
Authors: SÁNCHEZ NURIA , HERRANZ MARÍA , BENITO JESÚS , PARDOS FERNANDO
Published: April 2019

Data are presented from the first intensive sampling of Kinorhyncha around the Iberian Peninsula over a 21-year periodfrom 1990 to 2011, from 81 sites mostly in less than 100 m water depth. Light-microscopic examination of approximately2000 specimens yielded 11 genera and 29 species, only 11 of which were previously recorded from peninsular waters. Thebalance comprises ten new species records for the peninsula and eight new species that are yet to be described. The mostspeciose genus is Echinoderes, with ten species, two of them new, followed by Pycnophyes (nine species, three new).There are two species of Antygomonas (one new), and one each for the genera Campyloderes, Centroderes, Condyloderes(one new), Dracoderes, Meristoderes, Semnoderes, Kinorhynchus (one new), and Paracentrophyes. The most ubiquitousspecies in the samples, appearing at nearly all localities was Pycnophyes dentatus, newly recorded for the Iberian Penin-sula and found at nearly all sampled localities and in high numbers. Echinoderes cantabricus, E. hispanicus and E. dujar-dinii also have a wide distribution along both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Known information on diversity, biogeography and ecology (depth, sediment and abundance) is discussed.
The population of Ctenomys from the Ñacuñán Biosphere Reserve (Mendoza, Argentina) belongs to Ctenomys mendocinus Philippi, 1869 (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae): molecular and karyotypic evidence
Authors: PARADA ANDRES , OJEDA AGUSTINA , Tabeni Solana , D'ELÍA GUILLERMO
Published: April 2019

Subterranean tuco-tucos of the genus Ctenomys are caviomorph rodents comprising a complex of over 50 nominal speciesfound in the southern half of South America. The validity of several nominal forms awaits a proper assessment. Thepopulation of Ctenomys from Ñacuñán Biosphere Reserve (Mendoza, Argentina) has been classically considered torepresent a distinct species and has been commonly referred as Ctenomys “eremofilus”. Based on molecular andcytogenetic analysis we assessed the taxonomic status of the Ctenomys population of Ñacuñán. Specimens analyzedshowed two very similar chromosome complements (2n=48 and 2n=50), the latter being widely distributed in populationsof C. mendocinus. Similarly, haplotypes recovered from Ñacuñán specimens are very similar and sister to those recoveredfrom specimens of C. mendocinus. Considering this evidence we conclude that the individuals of Ctenomys from Ñacuñán population should be assignable to C. mendocinus.