Scientific publications in nephrology and urology journals from Chinese authors in East Asia: a 10-year survey of the literature

Background

Diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary tract are common health problems that affect people of all ages and demographic backgrounds. In this study, we compared the quantity and quality of nephrological and urological articles published in international journals from the three major regions of China: the mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW).

Methods

Nephrological and urological articles originating from ML, TW, and HK that were published in 61 journals from 1999–2008 were retrieved from the PubMed database. We recorded the numbers of total articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case reports, impact factors (IF), citations, and articles published in the leading general-medicine journals. We used these data to compare the quantity and quality of publication output from the three regions.

Results

The total number of articles increased significantly from 1999 to 2008 in the three regions. The number of articles from ML has exceeded that from HK since 2004, and surpassed that from TW in 2008. Publications from TW had the highest accumulated IF, total citations of articles, and the most articles published in leading general-medicine journals. However, HK publications had the highest average IF. Although ML produced the largest quantity of articles, it exhibited the lowest quality among the three regions.

Conclusion

The number of nephrological and urological publications originating from the three major regions of China increased significantly from 1999 to 2008. The annual number of publications by ML researchers exceeded those from TW and HK. However, the quality of articles from TW and HK was higher than that from ML.     

The most important publications of the Polish histologist Henryk Fryderyk Hoyer (1834-1907) in German scientific journals

Henryk Fryderyk Hoyer (1834--1907) is rightly considered to be the father of Polish histology. Despite his major scientific achievements his work has undeservedly been overlooked in the medical historical literature outside Poland. Apart from the fact that Hoyer was the first to have conclusively proved on the basis of successful histological methods the existence of arteriovenous anastomoses, his innovations in the area of histological technique were of the greatest importance for histological research. Here the most important publications of Hoyer in German scientific journals are considered. Until now there has been no critical historical analysis of Hoyer's German works. This is the first attempt at such an analysis.     

The demography of Calanus finmarchicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the Middle Atlantic Bight, USA, 1977-2001

The spatial distribution and annual cycle of abundance for thelate-stage copepodites of the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicusare described for the shelf and slope waters of the Middle AtlanticBight (MAB), a subregion of the US Northeast large marine ecosystem.Samples were collected with bongo nets from 1977 to 2001 onbroad-scale surveys of the region and from a continuous planktonrecorder (CPR) towed at 10-m depth along a route that traversedthe area. The copepod’s abundance in shelf waters increasedrapidly in early spring and reached maximum levels in May–June.It declined slowly thereafter, until a minor secondary pulseoccurred in late autumn, which was followed by the annual winterlow. Slope water abundance of C. finmarchicus peaked in Apriland was virtually absent there at 10-m depth from July throughthe following February. The two samplers, both portrayed similarhigh interannual abundance variability with no long-term trendevident for the 25-year period. Cluster analysis pinpointedthree shelf areas with similar abundance patterns, one of whichwas a region of high density located in the northeastern offshorewaters. Evidence is presented that indicates the source of thishigh abundance is likely from the populations that overwinterin deep water basins of the Gulf of Maine (GOM). The copepod’sinterannual abundance variability was found to be negativelycorrelated with water temperature and unrelated to fluctuationsof the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) index.     

Comparative phylogeographic study of Hosta sieboldiana and Hosta albomarginata (Asparagaceae) in Japan

We analyzed variations in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in the widespread herbaceous species Hosta sieboldiana and Hosta albomarginata across large portions of their geographic ranges in the Japanese archipelago. Our objective was to compare the phylogeographic histories and phylogeographic structures of the two congeneric species in the Japanese archipelago. The location of the study is Japanese archipelago. We sequenced 1380 bp of noncoding cpDNA from 45 populations of H. sieboldiana (n = 362) and 55 populations of H. albomarginata (n = 436) to assess genetic variations within and among populations across almost the entire distributions of the species in Japan. Extant patterns of geographic structure were analyzed using statistical parsimony networks and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA). We also used Monmonier's algorithm to detect genetic barriers between regions. Relationships between the populations were examined using a neighbor‐joining (NJ) method. Four haplotypes were found for H. sieboldiana, whereas eight haplotypes were identified for H. albomarginata. Total genetic haplotype diversity (hT) and within‐population haplotype diversity (hS) for H. sieboldiana were 0.352 and 0.040, respectively, while the values for H. albomarginata were 0.529 and 0.085, respectively. The population differentiations (GST) for H. sieboldiana and H. albomarginata were 0.839 and 0.886, respectively. The SAMOVA analysis revealed two clusters in H. sieboldiana and four clusters in H. albomarginata. Differentiations between and among the clusters were supported by the BARRIER analysis and the NJ tree. We detected differences in the population genetic structure between the two species. We found that H. sieboldiana had lower haplotype diversity than H. albomarginata. These results may be partially explained by the difference in ecological habitats and geographic distributions between the species. Hosta albomarginata is more widely distributed than H. sieboldiana in East Asia including Russia, and this large distribution range would enable more chances to intraspecific gene flow.     

Freshwater ascomycetes: two new species of Lindgomyces (Lindgomycetaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) from Japan and USA

During independent surveys of freshwater ascomycetes in Japan and USA two new species of Lindgomyces were collected from submerged wood in freshwater. These species are described and illustrated based on morphological data and phylogenetic relationships based on analyses of nuclear ribosomal sequence data (partial SSU and LSU, and ITS). Lindgomyces apiculatus, collected in Japan, is characterized by immersed to erumpent, globose to subglobose ascomata; fissitunicate, cylindrical to clavate asci; and fusiform, one-septate ascospores with acute ends and short terminal appendages. Lindgomyces lemonweirensis, collected in Wisconsin, USA, differs from L. apiculatus in having clavate to cymbiform asci and oblong to fusiform ascospores that are distinctively multiguttulate and surrounded by an oval, ephemeral gelatinous sheath. The new species formed a strongly supported clade within the family Lindgomycetaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) based on analyses of combined SSU and LSU sequence data. In addition phylogenetic analyses with ITS sequence data support the establishment of the new taxa as separate species within Lindgomyces because they were separated from each other and other Lindgomyces species based on maximum likelihood bootstrap and Bayesian analyses.     

Review of dicrotendipes kieffer from china (Diptera, chironomidae)

The genus Dicrotendipes Kieffer from China, including 8 species, is reviewed. Two new species, Dicrotendipes nudussp. n. and Dicrotendipes saetanumerosussp. n. are described and the male imagines are illustrated; the record of Dicrotendipes fusconotatus (Kieffer) is the first for China. A key to the males of Dicrotendipes in China is given.     

A decade (2001-2010) of genetic testing for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

The identification of 9 susceptibility genes for paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma between 2001 and 2010 has led to the development of routine genetic tests. To study the evolution in genetic screening for paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma over the past decade, we carried out a retrospective study on the tests performed in our laboratory from January 2001 to December 2010. A genetic test for paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma was assessed for 2 499 subjects, 1 620 index cases, and 879 presymptomatic familial genetic tests. A germline mutation in a PGL/PCC susceptibility gene was identified in 363 index cases (22.4%): 269 in SDHx genes (137 in SDHB, 100 in SDHD, 30 in SDHC, 2 in SDHA), 64 in VHL, 23 in RET, and 7 in TMEM127. A presymptomatic paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma test was positive in 427 subjects. Advances in molecular screening techniques led to an increase in the total number of mutation-carriers diagnosed each year. Overall, during the last decade, our laboratory identified a germline mutation in 44.7% of patients with a suspect hereditary PGL/PCC and in 8% of patients with an apparently sporadic PGL/PCC. During the past decade, the discoveries of new paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma susceptibility genes and the subsequent progress of molecular screening techniques have enabled us to diagnose a hereditary paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma in about 22% of patients tested in routine practice. This genetic testing is of major importance for the follow-up of affected patients and for the genetic counselling of their families.     

Monitoring of fusarium toxins in cereals and feed-stuffs from thuringia (1998 - 2001)

From 1998 to 2001 a total of about 1172 conventionally and organically produced samples of wheat, rye, barley and triticale were examined for the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON). Furthermore, feedstuffs for pigs were included in the monitoring of Fusarium toxins. DON and ZON analyses were performed using ELISA or HPLC. The incidences and levels of toxins varied from year to year. Overall contamination levels were highest in wheat and triticale, followed by rye and barley. The highest DON contaminations were found in 1998. The probes of the years 1999-2001 showed lower incidences of Fusarium toxins. The second examined mycotoxin ZON was detected at lower levels in cereals. Similar results were observed in the monitoring of feedstuffs.     

Trends in age-standardised net survival of stomach cancer by subsite and stage: A population-based study in Osaka,Japan, 2001-2014

IntroductionThe burden of stomach cancer remains high, particularly among Asian countries. Although Japan is known to achieve high survival from stomach cancer, little is known regarding the survival trends for recent years and survival by subsite and stage. We report age-standardised 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year net survival for patients diagnosed with stomach cancer in Osaka, Japan.MethodsWe analysed patients diagnosed with primary stomach cancer and registered in the population-based cancer registry in Osaka Prefecture between 2001 and 2014. We used the non-parametric Pohar Perme method to derive net survival for each year. Both cohort and period approaches were used. Age was standardised using weights of the external population of the International Cancer Survival Standard. Multiple imputation was applied to handle missing information on subsite and stage before estimating age-standardised net survival by subsite (cardia and non-cardia) and stage (localised, regional and distant metastasis). We then examined general trends in the cohort-based survival estimates, as well as by subsite and stage, using linear regression.ResultsA total of 97,276 patients were included in the analysis. Age-standardised net survival improved steadily (mean annual absolute change ≥1.2%). Net survival for both subsites improved, but cardia cancer showed 7–23% lower survival than non-cardia cancer throughout the study period. Five-year net survival remained high (≥80%) in the localised stage from the beginning of this study. Net survival increased steeply (≥1.4% per year) in the regional stage. Although 1-year net survival increased by 14% in the distant stage, 5-year and 10-year net survival remained below 10%.ConclusionAge-standardised net survival for stomach cancer in Japan improved during the study period owing to an increase in the number of patients with localised stage at diagnosis and improved treatment. Monitoring both short- and long-term survival should be continued as management of stomach cancer progresses.     

滇产与日产松茸的IGS1-RFLP比较分析

应用Cfr13I限制性内切酶对采自于云南省16个市县的127个松茸子实体进行了IGS1-RFLP比较分析,发现126个松茸子实体属于A类型,来自大理白族自治州剑川县的1例(TF89)为C类型。通过对A类型的IGS1序列分析发现产自云南的松茸有一个CTTT的简单重复,滇产松茸IGS1序列差异不明显。滇产松茸的IGS1-RFLP与日产松茸的主要类型十分相似,两地松茸可能是同源的。     

Composition and seasonality of nocturnal peracarid zooplankton from coastal New Hampshire (USA) waters, 1978-1980

Seasonal changes in the nocturnal peracarid zooplankton froma nearshore area of the Gulf of Maine were studied from January1978 through December 1980 as a requirement of an ecologicalmonitoring program for the Public Service Company of New Hampshire'sSeabrook Generating Stanon. Numerically dominant species includedthe mysids Michteimysis mixta and Neomysis americana. the amphipodsPontogeneia inermis, Themisto gaudichaudi and Monoculodes edwardsi.and the cumaceans Diastylis polita and Lamprops quadriplicata.A general seasonal cycle was documented with a more abundantand speciose assemblage during fall and winter than summer.Peak abundance occurred during spring months prior to emigrationof juvenile M.mixta from the study area. Abiotic and bioticfactors which may affect the structure and composition of thisassemblage are discussed.     

Lost in transition--the Island of Susak (1951-2001)

The isolated population of the Island of Susak was thoroughly studied by a multidisciplinary team of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in early 1950's. Recently, a team of scientists revisited the island. This paper describes the main characteristics of the transition process during which a massive exodus occurred with 90% of the island's population migrating to New Jersey, USA. We summarise the differences in lifestyle, economy, social structure and sense of identity between the historic (1950's) and contemporary (2001) Susak population. We applied contemporary methods (analysis of microsatellite DNA polymorphisms) to investigate local myths about extreme levels of inbreeding and genetic homogeneity among the Susak islanders. Analysis of short-tandem-repeat (STR) loci showed that Susak displayed characteristics of a small homogeneous breeding isolate. The average heterozygosity was found to be low compared to outbred populations. The signature of a recent severe bottleneck could be detected. Analysis of 8 markers located on Xq13-21 in 71 individuals suggested extensive level of linkage disequilibrium (LD). A migrant study was designed to investigate the effects of large environmental changes (Susak vs. USA) and inbreeding (Susak vs. Croatian general population) on some biologically important quantitative traits, such as blood pressure and serum lipids. The results confirmed the positive correlation between inbreeding level and blood pressure that has been reported in the literature on several occasions. The last remnants of this traditional island community will soon be lost forever.     

Rubella epidemics and genotypic distribution of the rubella virus in shandong province, china, in 1999-2010

Background

The rubella vaccine was introduced into the immunization program in 1995 in the Shandong province, China. A series of different rubella vaccination strategies were implemented at different stages of measles control in Shandong province.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The average reported incidence rate of rubella cases remained at a low level in Shandong province after 1999. However, rubella epidemics occurred repeatedly in 2001/2002, 2006, and 2008/2009. The age of the onset of rubella cases gradually increased during 1999–2010, which showed that most cases were found among the 10 years old in 1999 and among the 17 years old in 2010. Phylogenetic analysis was performed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the World Health Organization standard sequence window for rubella virus isolates. All rubella viruses isolated in Shandong province were divided into 4 genotypes: 1E, 1F, 2A, and 2B. Genotype 1E viruses accounted for the majority (79%) of all these viruses. The similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences among genotype 1E viruses was 98.2–100% and 99.1–100%, respectively. All Shandong genotype 1E strains, differed from international genotype 1E strains, belonged to cluster 1 and interdigitated with the viruses from other provinces in mainland China. The effective number of infections indicated by a Bayesian skyline plot remained constant from 2001 to 2009.

Conclusions/Significance

The gradual shift of disease burden to an older age group occurred after a rubella-containing vaccine was introduced into the childhood immunization schedule in 1995 in Shandong province. Four genotypes, including 1E, 1F, 2A, and 2B, were found in Shandong province during 2000–2009. Genotype 1E, rather than genotype 1F, became the predominant genotype circulating in Shandong province from 2001. All Shandong genotype 1E viruses belong to the genotype 1E/cluster 1; they have constantly circulated, and co-evolved and co-circulated, with those from other provinces.     

Patterns of mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) from 1998-2001

Detailed postmortem examination of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) found along the California (USA) coast has provided an exceptional opportunity to understand factors influencing survival in this threatened marine mammal species. In order to evaluate recent trends in causes of mortality, the demographic and geographic distribution of causes of death in freshly deceased beachcast sea otters necropsied from 1998-2001 were evaluated. Protozoal encephalitis, acanthocephalan-related disease, shark attack, and cardiac disease were identified as common causes of death in sea otters examined. While infection with acanthocephalan parasites was more likely to cause death in juvenile otters, Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis, shark attack, and cardiac disease were more common in prime-aged adult otters. Cardiac disease is a newly recognized cause of mortality in sea otters and T. gondii encephalitis was significantly associated with this condition. Otters with fatal shark bites were over three times more likely to have pre-existing T. gondii encephalitis suggesting that shark attack, which is a long-recognized source of mortality in otters, may be coupled with a recently recognized disease in otters. Spatial clusters of cause-specific mortality were detected for T. gondii encephalitis (in Estero Bay), acanthocephalan peritonitis (in southern Monterey Bay), and shark attack (from Santa Cruz to Point A?o Nuevo). Diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, or fungi and diseases without a specified etiology were the primary cause of death in 63.8% of otters examined. Parasitic disease alone caused death in 38.1% of otters examined. This pattern of mortality, observed predominantly in juvenile and prime-aged adult southern sea otters, has negative implications for the overall health and recovery of this population.     

Parachironomus Lenz from China and Japan (Diptera,Chironomidae)

Members of the genus Parachironomus Lenz known from China and Japan are revised, and a key to their male adults is given. Parachironomus poyangensis sp. n. is described in this life stage. Parachironomus frequens (Johannsen) and Parachironomus monochromus (van der Wulp) are recorded from China for the first time, thus are redescribed from Chinese specimens. Parachironomus kamaabeus Sasa & Tanaka and Parachironomus toneabeus Sasa & Tanaka are new junior synonyms of Parachironomus frequens. Three Chinese or Japanese species formerly placed in Parachironomus are transferred to other genera, resulting in the new combinations Cryptochironomus inafegeus (Sasa, Kitami & Suzuki), Demicryptochironomus (Irmakia) lobus (Yan, Sæther, Jin & Wang), and Microchironomus lacteipennis (Kieffer). Chironomus sauteri Kieffer, Parachironomus kisobilobalis Sasa & Kondo and Parachironomus kuramaexpandus Sasa are removed from Parachironomus; the last of these three denotes a valid species of uncertain generic placement, the first two are nomina dubia.     

Rare and new desmids (Desmidiaceae, Chlorophyta) from Japan

A number of rare or unknown desmid species were revealed in samples collected from a range of aquatic habitats in Japan. In the present paper we describe one new species of the family Desmidiaceae, Staurastrum tsukubicum sp. nov. and report the presence in Japan of two species, Staurastrum levanderi Grönbl. and Cos-marium dilatatum Lütkem. in Järnefelt et Grönblad, previously found only in Europe. One taxon, Euastrum englerii Schmidle var. madagascariense Bourr. et Manguin, is renamed as Euastrum biverrucosum nom. nov. et stat. nov. The morphology of these taxa was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy and their taxonomic affinities are discussed.     

A morphological study and hybridization analysis of Caloglossa leprieurii (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Japan, Singapore and Australia

Morphological and hybridization experiments were performed on Caloglossa leprieurii (Montagne) J. Agardh collected from Japan, Singapore and Australia in order to evaluate taxonomic characters of this species. Within C. leprieurii at least four mating groups were recognized from the Indo-Pacific region. These mating groups could be characterized by the blade width at the inter-node and the cell-row numbers on the opposite side derived from the first axial cell at the main axis, though these properties showed a certain variability even in the same plant under both field and culture conditions. The phylogenetic relationship and geographic distribution of the four mating groups are discussed.     

A history of significant steroid discoveries and developments originating at the Schering Corporation (USA) since 1948.

A firsthand historical account of some of the significant contributions of the steroid research group at the Schering Corporation (Bloomfield, NJ, USA) to the discovery and/or development of important therapeutic agents is presented. These include the discovery of the antiinflammatory corticosteroid drugs prednisone, prednisolone, and betamethasone, all of which, more than 30 years after their introduction, continue to enjoy wide use in human and animal medical practice throughout the world.