bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A catalogue and taxonomic keys of the Subfamily Nicomachinae (Polychaeta: Maldanidae) of the world
Authors: DE ASSIS JOSÉ ERIBERTO , ALONSO CARMEN , CHRISTOFFERSEN MARTIN LINDSEY
Published: February 2019

A world catalogue and taxonomic keys of the subfamily Nicomachinae (Polychaeta: Maldanidae) are provided. Threegenera and 32 species are listed, complete with original references, synonyms, additional references, type localities, andtaxonomic remarks for those species which present some problem. Nicomache interstricta Ehlers, 1908 is transferred tothe genus Lumbriclymene Sars, 1872. Nicomache inornata Moore, 1903, Petaloproctus crosnieri Rullier, 1964, andPetaloproctus crenatus Chamberlin, 1919 are considered incertae sedis. Only three species of Nicomachinae have abroad geographical distribution.
Verburg, P. & Bills, R. (2007) Two new cichild species Neolamprologus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanga-nyika, East Africa. Zootaxa, 1612, 25–44.
Authors: VERBURG P.
Published: February 2019

Erratum
Photafish system: An affordable device for fish photography in the wild
Authors: GARCÍA-MELO JORGE E. , GARCÍA-MELO LUÍS J. , GARCÍA-MELO JESÚS D. , ROJAS-BRIÑEZ DIANA K. , GUEVARA GIOVANY , MALDONADO-OCAMPO JAVIER A.
Published: February 2019

This paper describes the Photafish System, an innovative technique for capturing high-quality digital images of live freshwater fishes and other aquatic organisms in the field. This system may improve and facilitate the visual documentation of such organisms to illustrate guidebooks, populate online databases and support scientific papers, particularly taxonomic ones. The system was designed and tested to produce Taxonomically Informative Photos (TIPs) of living specimens and employs an Aquarium Assembly for Photography (AAP) distinguished by its portability and low cost. Using Neotropical freshwater fishes as a model, we propose an optimized protocol for documenting the morphology of live specimens to support taxonomy, as well as awareness and conservation of freshwater biodiversity. This paper addresses the technical aspects and challenges of field studio photography in remote locations. Tricks gleaned from personal experiences with nature photography are also shared. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages and weaknesses of our approach.
Troglocoelotes gen. n., a new genus of Coelotinae spiders (Araneae, Agelenidae) from caves in South China
Authors: LI BING , ZHAO ZHE , ZHANG CHUNTIAN , LI SHUQIANG
Published: February 2019

A new genus Troglocoelotes Z. Zhao & S. Li gen. n. from South China is described with the type species T. yumiganensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♂♀) and eight additional species: T. bailongensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♀), T. banmenensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♀), T. liangensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♂♀), T. nongchiensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♀), T. qixianensis Z. Zhao & S. Li sp. n. (♂♀), T. proximus (Chen, Zhu & Kim, 2008) comb. n. (♀), T. tortus (Chen, Zhu & Kim, 2008) comb. n. (♂♀) and T. yosiianus (Nishikawa, 1999) comb. n (♀). All species are cave dwellers and not found outside of caves. New combinations are all ex-Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999. DNA barcodes are provided for all species.
Impacts of Partly Cloudy Pixels on Shortwave Broadband Irradiance Computations
Authors: Ham Seung-Hee , Kato Seiji , Rose Fred G.
Published: February 2019

Because of the limitation of the spatial resolution of satellite sensors, satellite pixels identified as cloudy are often partly cloudy. For the first time, this study demonstrates the bias in shortwave (SW) broadband irradiances for partly cloudy pixels when the cloud optical depths are retrieved with an overcast and homogeneous assumption, and subsequently, the retrieved values are used for the irradiance computations. The sign of the SW irradiance bias is mainly a function of viewing geometry of the cloud retrieval. The bias in top-of-atmosphere (TOA) upward SW irradiances is positive for small viewing zenith angles (VZAs) <~60° and negative for large VZAs >~60°. For a given solar zenith angle and viewing geometry, the magnitude of the bias increases with the cloud optical depth and reaches a maximum at the cloud fraction between 0.2 and 0.8. The sign of the SW surface net irradiance bias is opposite of the sign of TOA upward irradiance bias, with a similar magnitude. As a result, the bias in absorbed SW irradiances by the atmosphere is smaller than the biases in both TOA and surface irradiances. The monthly mean biases in SW irradiances due to partly cloudy pixels are <1.5 W m−2 when cloud properties are derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard Aqua.
Effects of simulated pressure of wooden, plastic, and metal materials on the thermal insulation of cold-protective gloves of various designs
Authors: Irzmańska Emilia , Bacciarelli-Ulacha Anna
Published: February 2019

The paper proposes a new approach to selecting cold-protective gloves for workers by evaluating the effects of simulated pressure of wood, plastic, and metal materials on the thermal insulation of gloves of various designs. Thermal insulation tests involved three models of gloves offering stable thermal insulation at various temperatures. The tests were carried out on a thermal hand model according to EN 511:2006. In the study, three variants of contact surface were used: metal, plastic, and wood. It was found that the thermal insulation of protective gloves under pressure decreases and depends on the glove construction, surface type, ambient temperature, and pressure variant. The application of pressure decreased the mean thermal insulation of the tested mitts (variant 1) by 30.46% for metal, 21.32% for wood, and 23.04% for plastic at an ambient temperature of –10℃; by 23.12% for metal, 21.79% for wood, and 19.39% for plastic at 0℃; and by 29.88% for metal, 23.80% for wood, and 19.28% for plastic at 10℃. The smallest relative decline in glove thermal insulation for the wooden pressure-simulating element at –10℃ and for the plastic element at 10℃ and 0℃ was found. Therefore, when choosing gloves for manual work in a cold environment, this change in performance level should be taken into account.
Communicating about bullying: Examining disclosure among gifted students
Authors: Jumper Rachel Leah
Published: February 2019

Although research on bullying has grown in scope in recent years, research specifically focused on gifted children’s experiences with bullying has been more limited. Studies of gifted children and bullying do exist, but the body of research in this specific area is not large. This article asserts that there are differences in the ways that gifted and nongifted middle school students communicate about bullying. This article examines quantitative differences in the ways middle school students who self-identify as gifted, and their peers who do not self-identify as gifted, disclose information about bullying. Data were collected from 343 middle school students at five different schools using the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. The study found that gifted students were more likely than general education students to disclose to their peers that they were being bullied but were not more likely than other children to communicate about bullying to their teachers or parents. These findings have important implications for schools and families as adults may underestimate bullying among the gifted. Additionally, these findings add to the literature supporting intervention programs that incorporate peer bystanders and add information to how we understand the importance of peers for gifted children.
Fourth-grade gifted students participation in literature circles
Authors: Barone Diane , Barone Rebecca
Published: February 2019

This qualitative, practitioner study explored how gifted students, who were not necessarily sophisticated readers, first participated in literature circles. The students were enrolled in a US Title I, magnet Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)/International Baccalaureate World Academy (IB) school. Students routinely participated in inquiry science activities, but rarely in literacy instruction in their mainstream classrooms. Their gifted and talented students (GATE) teacher provided an opportunity for them to participate in literature circles within their GATE instructional time. Students responded to their reading by writing, drawing, and discussing. Their earliest responses were closely tied to their reading. Later responses were inferential where they offered multiple interpretations.
Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities identified by copy number variation sequencing in high-risk pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, and suspected genetic disorders
Authors: Zhang Rui , Chen Xiangbin , Wang Dong , Chen Xuan , Wang Chao , Zhang Yuhong , Xu Mengnan , Yu Jingcui
Published: February 2019

Objective

High-throughput sequencing based on copy number variation (CNV-seq) is commonly used to detect chromosomal abnormalities including aneuploidy. This study provides evidence for the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in target populations.

Methods

A total of 160 samples, including 83 high-risk pregnancies, 37 spontaneous abortions, and 40 suspected genetic disorders, were analyzed by CNV-seq. Relationships between the incidence of these chromosomal abnormalities and risk factors (e.g. advanced maternal age, abnormal pregnancy history, and family history of congenital disease) were further analyzed by subgroup.

Results

A total of 37 (44.6%) high-risk pregnancies, 25 (67.6%) spontaneous abortions, and 22 (55%) suspected genetic disorders had chromosomal abnormalities including aneuploidy and CNVs. There was an increased risk association between the prevalence of aneuploidy and pathogenic-relevant CNV in the fetus or abortive tissue and advanced maternal age. Moreover, a family history of congenital disease was also positively correlated with fetal chromosomal abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies.

Conclusion

A relatively high prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was detected in high-risk pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, and suspected genetic disorders, indicating the importance of CNV detection in such populations.
Asymptomatic late thrombocytosis is a common finding in very preterm infants even in the absence of erythropoietin treatment
Authors: Del Rey Hurtado de Mendoza Beatriz , Esponera Carla Balcells , Izquierdo Renau Montserrat , Iglesias Platas Isabel
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Thrombocytosis is more prevalent in pediatric than in adult patients and is associated with complications or worsened outcomes after vascular events. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thrombocytosis in very preterm infants who had not received human recombinant erythropoietin treatment (rHuEPO) and its relationship with other hematological parameters and clinical complications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of hematological and clinical data of very preterm infants who were admitted to our unit in their first 48 hours of life and stayed for longer than 1 week.

Results

Thrombocytosis was prevalent (32.6% of patients) in very preterm infants (≤32 weeks of gestational age, n = 193) who had not received rHuEPO. The platelet count was positively correlated with calendar age. Infants with thrombocytosis were significantly more premature (28.0 ± 2.1 versus 29.6 ± 2.2 weeks) and had a lower birth weight (1036 ± 304 versus 1303 ± 304) than those without thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis was associated with retinopathy of prematurity after adjusting for gestational age and comorbidities, but not with other prematurity-associated complications.

Conclusions

Late asymptomatic thrombocytosis is common in very preterm infants at approximately 1 month of postnatal age and it may be associated with retinopathy of prematurity.
Recurrent vulvar breast fibroadenoma: presentation of a rare clinical condition
Authors: Li Guanhua , Zhang Yu , Ma Hongmin
Published: February 2019

Vulvar fibroadenoma is an ectopic mammary-like fibroepithelial tumor of undetermined pathogenesis. Surgery is usually the primary option of treatment for this condition. Recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma is a rare clinical condition, and it has therapeutic challenges for surgeons and pathologists. Three cases of recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma were reviewed and studied (at 25, 39, and 18 years old for each case). We summarize and report our clinical experience on recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma. All patients were surgically managed with a satisfactory outcome and were followed up for at least 6 months. This is the first case series to address a rare clinical condition in vulvar fibroadenoma. Tumor size, conditions of high hormonal exposure, iatrogenic issues, and residual lesions contribute to recurrence. The standard surgical strategy for vulvar fibroadenoma is important for lowering the risk of local recurrence.
Olfactory event-related potentials in a functionally anosmic patient with arrested hydrocephalus
Authors: Caminiti Fabrizia , Ciurleo Rosella , De Salvo Simona , Galletti Francesco , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia
Published: February 2019

Hydrocephalus is one of the lesser known causes of central olfactory loss. The pathogenesis of hydrocephalus involves the olfactory bulbs or tracts, and more rarely, other frontotemporal cortical regions. We describe a case of olfactory dysfunction in a macrocephalic 63-year-old female patient with arrested hydrocephalus. Her olfactory function was assessed by using the Sniffin’ Sticks test, olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs), and 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An OERP examination suggested partial impairment of the central olfactory pathways and central parietal regions where OERP amplitude is maximal. Indeed, we found an evident olfactory potential trace with an increased latency only on Pz derivation. However, structural MRI showed important cortical brain thinning and large expansion of the third ventricle, with evident damage of the olfactory frontotemporal areas. The Sniffin’ Sticks test and MRI supported the diagnosis of anosmia, while OERP findings indicated partial preservation of olfactory function, likely due to an adaptation of the central olfactory system. These findings highlight the importance of a multi-integrated approach to detect olfactory impairment.
Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Single Layer and Double Layer High Friction Surface Treatments
Authors: Li Shuo , Cong Peiliang , Yu Demei , Xiong Rui , Jiang Yi
Published: February 2019

High friction surface treatment (HFST) has been proactively used as a solution to extreme friction demands at locations such as horizontal curves, ramps, bridge decks, and intersections. Considerable efforts have been made to evaluate the use of HFST across the United States (U.S.) The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has issued a provisional specification, i.e., AASHTO PP 79-14, to help state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to successfully apply HFST. This paper presents a further effort made by the authors to evaluate and compare the friction performance and durability of single and double layer HFTS systems with calcined bauxite aggregate. The laboratory accelerated polishing was conducted to evaluate the effects of aggregate candidate gradations on the friction performance, such as friction coefficient and macrotexture mean profile depth (MPD), and to determine the aggregate gradation for field evaluation. Field evaluation was conducted on both single and double layer HFST systems using test strips under actual traffic polishing over a time period of nine months that covered an entire snow season. It was found that larger aggregate size tends to yield larger MPD, but larger MPD does not necessarily imply larger friction. The double layer HFST did not outperform the single layer HFST with respect to friction and durability. If the properties of calcined bauxite aggregate are precisely defined, either surface friction or MPD can solely be utilized as the frictional metric for quality assurance (QA) of HFST.
Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Kitridis Dimitrios , Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Bisbinas Ilias , Papaioannidou Paraskevi , Givissis Panagiotis
Published: February 2019

Background:

Several pharmacological interventions are used for the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, although the optimal treatment has yet to be defined.

Purpose:

To conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different pharmacological interventions for adhesive capsulitis, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule.

Study Design:

Network meta-analysis.

Methods:

The authors searched Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to April 22, 2018, for completed studies. They enrolled trials that assessed the results of different pharmacological treatments for the primary management of adhesive capsulitis. The primary outcome was pain relief as measured by self-administered questionnaires. The secondary outcome included the assessment of composite instruments that evaluated, at a minimum, pain and function. The authors clinically interpreted the results after back-transforming the standardized mean differences into mean differences in simple instruments and assessed the quality of the source studies using the Cochrane “risk of bias” tool.

Results:

The authors considered 30 trials with a total of 2010 participants in this systematic review. For pain relief, there was a significant difference in favor of intra-articular corticosteroids and distension of the shoulder capsule with steroids as compared with control in the short term (mean difference in visual analog scale (VAS): –1.4 [95% CI, −2.5 to −0.4] and −1.7 [95% CI, −3.2 to −0.1], respectively). Furthermore, rotator-interval injections were found to be superior to placebo (mean difference in VAS: –7.2; 95% CI, −10.1 to −4.4), although the intervention was considered in only 1 trial. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of multiple-site corticosteroid injections compared to placebo in both the short- (mean difference in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]: −86.7; 95% CI, −133.6 to −40) and intermediate-term assessment (mean difference in SPADI: −102.9; 95% CI, −163.9 to −41.8).

Conclusion:

Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule, provided clinically meaningful improvements in the short term. Likewise, rotator-interval corticosteroid injections yielded promising results in terms of pain relief. However, these short-term benefits of steroids dissipated over time. Multiple-site corticosteroid injections showed clinical advantage over placebo for short- and intermediate-term composite outcome assessments.
Investigation on the effects of microstructure on machining unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites with a modified force model
Authors: Xiao Jianzhang , Gao Chongyang , Wang Guifeng , Huang Pengcheng
Published: February 2019

The paper aims to investigate the correlation of microstructural characteristics and machinability of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites by a modified analytical model. A representative volume element was selected to present the microstructure and analyze the force distribution, in which the interphase between the fiber and the matrix was considered significantly. And the microstructure can be obviously measured by using microscopic observation, especially the interphase was found to be around 0.3 μm in the used carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. To study the representative volume element effect on the cutting behavior of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites, the prediction of cutting force was done by using a modified force model. Compared with the experiments, the developed model can well predict the cutting forces and subsurface damage in the carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites cutting. It was found that surface integrity as well as subsurface damage has a coincident varying trend with the fiber orientations, as confirmed by the observations of the machined surface at different fiber orientations. The good surface integrity can be obtained at the low fiber orientation of 0° and the poor surface occurs at the large fiber orientation of 135°. Moreover, the effect of interphase and the fiber volume fraction in representative volume element were further investigated. The results show that the cutting forces increase with increasing the fiber volume fraction as well as the interphase volume fraction, and the interphase affects the cutting force in the transverse direction is significantly higher than that in longitudinal direction.
Racial–Ethnic Differences in Turnover Intent Among Home Health Aides
Authors: Landes Scott D. , Weng Suzie S.
Published: February 2019

Home health aides are crucial to ensuring quality services for the growing older adult population needing home-based care in the United States. We utilize data from the nationally representative 2007 National Home Health Aide Survey ( N = 3,344) to analyze racial–ethnic disparity in turnover intent. Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Other home health aides had higher all-cause turnover intent than Non-Hispanic Whites. Cause-specific turnover intent varied by race–ethnicity. Compared with non-Hispanic White home health aides, (a) non-Hispanic Black home health aides were more likely to leave due to low pay and educational/advancement opportunities; (b) Hispanic home health aides were more likely to leave due to a perceived lack of respect or difficulty with their supervisor/agency; and (c) non-Hispanic home health aides were more likely to leave due to an impending move. Findings suggest that efforts to address high levels of turnover intent among home health aides should account for differences in race–ethnic groups.
In vitro evaluation of copper oxide nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress using human embryonic kidney cells
Authors: Reddy Anreddy Rama Narsimha , Lonkala Srividya
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293) cells following exposure. CuO NPs size <50 nm were used in this study. HEK-293 cell cultures were exposed to different concentrations of CuO NPs between 3 µg/ml and 300 µg/ml and quartz (known as cytotoxic agent) and assessed for cell viability-mitochondrial function (MTT assay), cell membrane damage (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and lipid peroxidation levels. The IC50 value of NPs was found to be 65.5 µg/ml. Exposure of HEK cells to CuO NPs (10–300 µg/ml) resulted in concentration-dependent cell membrane damage, increased production of IL-8, increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and decreased intracellular GSH levels. The significant increases in IL-8, TBARS, and LDH levels along with decreased GSH levels indicated induction of oxidative stress in cells. Our preliminary data suggest that oxidative stress might contribute to CuO NPs-induced cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cells.
Tissue distribution of tetrabromobisphenol A and cadmium in mixture inhalation exposure
Authors: Chen Jiangfei , Kang Duan , Yan Zhi , Shen Qiaosen , Lou Yanqi , Li Yanyan , Kong Aijun , Pan Bishu , Huang Changjiang
Published: February 2019

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) are the typical representative pollutants of brominated flame retardants and heavy metals found in the air of e-waste recycling workshops. However, their metabolic kinetics through mixture inhalation is unknown. In the present study, 8-week old Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) male mice were whole-body exposed to TBBPA and CdCl2 mixtures by inhalation. Tissue samples were collected for TBBPA and cadmium (Cd) analysis at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks during exposure and at 4 and 8 weeks after the completion of the 8-week exposure period. TBBPA was mainly distributed to the lungs, liver, kidney, testis, and spleen, with a high amount accumulated in the brain, liver, and spleen. Cd was mainly distributed to the lungs, liver, and kidney, with a high amount accumulated in the liver, kidney, and testis and a low amount accumulated in brain and serum. Tissue burden of TBBPA and Cd in all organs increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner during the exposure period. However, 4 weeks after the completion of an 8-week exposure, TBBPA concentrations in the liver, testis, brain, and serum and Cd concentrations in the liver, testis, and kidney were higher than the corresponding tissue concentrations during the exposure period. The rapid accumulation of both TBBPA and Cd in the lungs after inhalation exposure indicated a high risk of the respiratory system diseases for workers in e-waste recycling workshops. In addition, the migration of both TBBPA and Cd from lungs to liver and testis may result in more complex toxic effects in vivo.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Social Support and Physical Activity in Hispanics
Authors: Heredia Natalia I. , Walker Timothy J. , Lee MinJae , Reininger Belinda M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Social support has been identified as a determinant of physical activity (PA), but research has been primarily cross-sectional, with mixed findings for different Hispanic subgroups and limited longitudinal research with Hispanics. The purpose of this study is to assess the longitudinal associations of social support with PA in Hispanics on the Texas-Mexico Border.

Design and sample:

We used 2 time points of data collected from Hispanic adults in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (N = 588).

Measures:

We collected social support for PA and self-reported leisure-time PA.

Analysis:

We used cross-lagged panel models to assess the association between friend support, family support, family punishment (criticizing or complaining) and PA over time.

Results:

Although social support overall was low for PA, fully adjusted cross-lagged panel models indicated that time 1 friend support was associated with time 2 PA (adjusted rate ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.00 -1.04), though family support was not associated with time 2 PA. In males, time 1 friend support was inversely associated with time 2 family punishment.

Conclusion:

As expected, the directionality of the relation appears to be from social support to PA. Friend support appears to be predictive of PA in Hispanics, whereas family support is not. This should be considered in intervention development, particularly because familismo (commitment and mutual obligation to family) is considered to be a strong value in these communities.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of the particle size distribution and magnetic properties of the PP + FE3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Ramazanov Mahammadali A , Maharramov Abel M , Ali-zada Rasim A , Shirinova Habiba A , Hajiyeva Flora V
Published: February 2019

A detailed study of the dispersion of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in the polypropylene (PP) matrix, the degree of coagulation, and the dependence of magnetic properties of PP + Fe3O4 nanocomposites on the size of nanoparticles is reported. The size distribution of nanoparticles in polymer matrix and morphology of the nanocomposites were studied by the means of scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-7600 F) and atomic force microscopy (NT-MDT). It was found that when the Fe3O4 nanoparticles are introduced into the PP matrix, their coagulation takes place. The increase in the size of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles depends on their volume content in the polymer matrix, the viscosity of polymer, mixing time, and so on. The magnetic properties of PP + Fe3O4 nanocomposites were experimentally and theoretically studied. It was found that the magnetic hysteresis parameters of the nanocomposites directly depend on the size and concentration of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the matrix. Theoretical calculations were compared with experimental results obtained from M( H) measurements. Discrepancy between theoretical and experimental magnetic values have been explained.
A forgotten Jewish-Portuguese historian of medicine: Dr. Augusto Isaac d'Esaguy, OSE, 1899–1961
Authors: Ohry Avi , Nunes Maria de Fátima
Published: February 2019

Augusto Isaac d'Esaguy was a 20th century Portuguese medical historian who made contributions to the history of Portuguese-Jewish physicians and was also involved with the Jewish-Portuguese Refugee Committee which assisted with the relocation of Jews from Nazi-controlled France during the Second World War.
Acute lead arsenate poisoning in beef cattle in Uruguay
Authors: Schild Carlos O. , Giannitti Federico , Medeiros Rosane M. T. , da Silva Silveira Caroline , Caffarena Rubén D. , Poppenga Robert H. , Riet-Correa Franklin
Published: February 2019

We describe and illustrate lesions in an outbreak of lead arsenate poisoning in beef cattle that ingested pesticide residues stored in an abandoned building of a former orange orchard. Of 70 exposed cattle, 14 had diarrhea, paresis, ataxia, recumbency, and/or seizures. Ten of the affected animals died after a clinical course of 12–18 h. Pathologic findings in 3 steers included extensive necrohemorrhagic, ulcerative rumenitis, omasitis, and abomasitis; lymphocytolysis in lymphoid organs; and nephrosis. Hepatic arsenic and lead levels in cases 1–3 were 20, 24, and 31 ppm, and 8.3, 25, and 9.4 ppm, respectively. Lesions in the forestomachs and lymphoid tissues have been rarely reported in cases of lead arsenate poisoning. In southern South America, these lesions are indistinguishable from those produced by Baccharis coridifolia, a toxic plant that contains macrocyclic trichothecenes, thus these conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of necrotizing lesions in alimentary and lymphoid organs.
Smart magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump
Authors: Wu Chenjun , Zhang Qingxu , Fan Xinpeng , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: February 2019

A smart magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump (MRE-PP) realizes controlled movements to convey Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids under various scheduling policies for electromagnets. Although the structure of the basic element consisted of a magnetorheological elastomer tube and an electromagnet is very succinct, the capability of fluid conveying is dramatically improved when the magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pump composed of more elements in series is employed. Besides, scheduling policies and the length of the magnetorheological elastomer tube, as another two significant factors, also have remarkable effects on backflow, pumped fluid volume, and viscosity of blood. Various scheduling policies are designed to realize fluid conveying with relatively high pumped volume for non-Newtonian fluid. Meanwhile, low destructiveness is demonstrated in the designed magnetorheological elastomer peristaltic pumps, allowing a potential application of conveying stress sensitive fluids.
Vancomycin Versus Metronidazole for Nonsevere Clostridioides difficile Infection: Are the Data Adequate to Change Practice?
Authors: Sarna Katherine V. , Gross Alan E.
Published: February 2019

Objective: To compare oral metronidazole and vancomycin for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Clostridioides difficile infection (mmCDI). Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search (inception to November 2018) was performed using the search terms metronidazole, vancomycin, and Clostridium/Clostridioides difficile. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language clinical studies (interventional and observational), meta-analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses comparing the efficacy of metronidazole and vancomycin for mmCDI were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Nine clinical studies, 5 meta-analyses, and 1 cost-effectiveness analysis provided comparative data for metronidazole and vancomycin for the treatment of mmCDI. Improved treatment response with vancomycin as compared with metronidazole in adults with mmCDI reached statistical significance in a few studies; albeit, most studies and pooled analyses have results that numerically favor vancomycin. Furthermore, the cost per case treated appears to be lower with vancomycin compared with metronidazole based on data from hospitalized patients. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Recent updates to national guidelines now give preference to vancomycin over metronidazole for mmCDI; however, this has been a source of controversy. This review provides an appraisal of direct and indirect comparisons of oral metronidazole and vancomycin for mmCDI, including recent literature published after the release of current guidelines. Conclusions: The available outcome data suggesting that vancomycin is more effective than metronidazole, combined with the more favorable pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability profile of vancomycin, provide adequate clinical rationale for the preferential use of this agent for the treatment of mmCDI.
State Rainy Day Funds and Government General Fund Expenditures: Revisiting the Stabilization Effect
Authors: Wei Wenchi , Denison Dwight V.
Published: February 2019

This study explores the stabilization effect of state rainy day funds (RDFs) on government general fund expenditures (GFEs). We discuss and explicitly illustrate the concept of stabilization effect. Moreover, we utilize the current year’s actual RDF usage as the explanatory variable of interest rather than the previous year’s RDF balance, which most existing studies focus on. A panel data set of states for fiscal years 1998 to 2014 is used in the empirical analysis. Due to the pro-cyclicality of the defined GFE gap and the countercyclicality of RDF usage, their positive correlation revealed in the empirical results demonstrates that the actual RDF usage helps to stabilize state government GFEs in both economic recessions and expansions. We also verify that the previous year’s RDF balance, when interacted with RDF deposit and withdrawal rules, can influence government GFEs, thus demonstrating the importance of RDF rules.
Use of nalbuphine as a substitute for butorphanol in combination with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam: a randomized non-inferiority trial
Authors: Kreisler Rachael E , Cornell Heather N , Smith Veronica A , Kelsey Samantha E , Hofmeister Erik H
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine whether a drug combination using nalbuphine with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam is non-inferior to one that uses butorphanol.

Methods

All healthy cats presenting solely for gonadectomy to two trap–neuter–return mobile clinic days were randomly assigned to induction with a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam 3 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine 7.5 µg/kg and either butorphanol or nalbuphine at 0.15 mg/kg. All participants were blinded to the identity of the combinations. The primary endpoint was clinician satisfaction, comprised of the mean of four satisfaction ratings on a 7-point Likert scale (highly dissatisfied through to highly satisfied) recorded for induction, maintenance of anesthesia, surgery and recovery. Exploratory endpoints included each individual score, number of injections, duration of induction, duration of recovery and need for reversal agent. To assess non-inferiority for the primary endpoint and individual scores, the difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the difference between the mean clinical scores for the nalbuphine and butorphanol-based combinations were calculated and compared with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 20% (1.4 points).

Results

Seventy-two cats were enrolled, 36 in each group. The mean ± SD composite score for the combination with nalbuphine was 6.06 ± 0.59 (95% CI 5.86–6.25) points, while the combination with butorphanol was 6.22 ± 0.62 (95% CI 6.01–6.43). The difference between mean scores was 0.17 (–0.12 to 0.45), which did not exceed the prespecified boundary of 1.4, establishing the non-inferiority of nalbuphine. No individual clinical score for nalbuphine was inferior to butorphanol, and there were no significant differences for any secondary endpoints.

Conclusions and relevance

The clinical experience of the nalbuphine-based combination was non-inferior to the butorphanol-based combination. Nalbuphine is an effective substitute for butorphanol, providing another option if butorphanol is unavailable due to shortage, controlled status or cost, without requiring a change in anesthetic workflow.
A Novel Intervention to Treat Failed Angio-Seal Footplate Deployment: Two Case Series
Authors: Hall Thomas C , Habib Said
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Vascular closure devices are commonly used to achieve rapid haemostasis and early ambulation following arterial puncture for endovascular procedures. Although device failure rates are low, the consequences of arterial occlusion include severe limb ischaemia. We describe a novel endovascular technique for the treatment of Angio-Seal arterial closure device (Terumo, Europe NV) failure causing femoral artery occlusion.

Materials and methods:

We describe 2 cases of lower limb angioplasty performed for critical limb ischaemia where the access site was closed using an Angio-Seal according to the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). In both cases, however, ultrasound could not be used during deployment of the Angio-Seal due to body habitus and small subcutaneous haematoma. In both cases, the device failed and occluded the femoral artery.

Results:

Access was achieved via a retrograde approach from the contralateral limb in one case and a retrograde approach from the ipsilateral profunda artery in the other case. Angiography confirmed that the footplate of the Angio-Seal had occluded the femoral artery. Subsequently, the occlusion was crossed and a short balloon-mounted bare metal stent placed to push the footplate against the arterial wall that resulted in resolution of the occlusion and haemorrhage control.

Conclusions:

Crossing the occlusion caused by failure of the Angio-Seal closure device and subsequent stenting resulted in satisfactory relief of the femoral artery occlusion and haemostasis without the added risks of open surgical revascularisation and general anaesthetic.
Behaviour of square concrete-filled stiffened steel tubular stub columns under axial compression
Authors: Yuan Fang , Huang Hong , Chen Mengcheng
Published: February 2019

As China’s infrastructure grows rapidly, the use of concrete-filled steel tubular structures for engineering applications is attracting increasing interest owing to their high section modulus, high strength and good seismic performance. However, for concrete-filled steel tubular members with large width-to-thickness ratio, steel tubes are prone to outward buckling when they are subjected to axial compression. Welding of longitudinal stiffeners on the steel tubes is one of the most efficient approaches for delaying local buckling and thus improving the mechanical performance of such type of concrete-filled steel tubular members. This study attempts to investigate the axial compression behaviour of concrete-filled stiffened steel tubular members with square sections through experimental study and finite element analysis. First, 14 concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns, with different width-to-thickness ratios of steel tube and depth-to-thickness ratios of stiffener, were subjected to axial compression loads and tested. It was found that the use of stiffeners increases the ultimate strength and improves the stability of the stub columns. Later, an investigation on the behaviour of the stiffened concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns was carried out through a three-dimensional finite element analysis. The accuracy of the finite element analysis model was verified by the test results. A parametric study was conducted to further evaluate the stiffening schemes that influence the axial compression strength. Finally, the research findings were synthesized into a new simplified model to predict the load-carrying capacity of stiffened concrete-filled steel tubular stub columns that allows for large width-to-thickness ratios.
Contractual thought and Durkheim’s theory of the social: A reappraisal
Authors: Follert Michael
Published: February 2019

Emile Durkheim developed his sociology in part by pointing to the insufficiency of contractual explanations of society. This article examines several iterations of ‘the contract’ in light of the rediscovery of Durkheim’s (2011 [1894–1895]) lectures on Hobbes’ De Cive. By viewing these recovered lectures alongside his canonical texts, we find three ways in which Durkheim distinguished his sociology from political and economic understandings of the social, in contrast with the contractarianism of Hobbes, the contractualism of Rousseau and the ‘contractual solidarity’ of Spencer. In his accounts of these thinkers, Durkheim explicates both his philosophical anthropology and his ontology of the social. Whereas contractual explanations of society treat the social as artificial and/or a mere aggregate formation, the social for Durkheim arises spontaneously and exists as a sui generis formation. Through the clarification of these conceptual coordinates, the nature of the social and its relationship with the political for each of these four thinkers come more fully into view. The article concludes with a consideration of the problem of the dissolution of society, pointing to a limit point or horizon for what is thinkable within Durkheimian sociology.
An Integrative Review of the Physical Examination Performed on Deceased Potential Organ and Tissue Donors
Authors: Holloway Justine A. C. , Ranse Kristen , Currie Marian , Jamieson Maggie , van Haren Frank
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Physical examination of the deceased potential donor is used in conjunction with information obtained from the family and donor’s General Practitioner. The findings of these assessments are used to determine the degree of risk their organs and tissues could pose to a recipient.

Objective:

To review the international practices of performing the physical examination on deceased potential organ and tissue donors. Method: A systematic search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and MedLine and grey literature was conducted. The search was limited to English-language articles, published between 2000 and 2017.

Results:

The integrative review included 14 of 1223 articles identified. We found that, although a physical examination is considered a routine component of international donor screening practices and standards, supportive evidence for this is lacking. A systematic head to toe approach to the physical examination is consistently advocated, but guidance on the components and processes of such an examination is limited. The literature demonstrates some commonalities regarding what constitutes a high-risk finding, but there is some variation in its completeness, and information on how many donors are declined because of such findings was found in only 1 article. The training and education of staff were considered essential to enable an accurate and thorough physical examination, yet details of constituents of education and training programs were sparse.

Conclusion:

More research is needed into the components of the physical examination that potentially would reduce risk to recipients. A review of current practice may identify opportunities for practice improvement, education, and training.
Judging Judicial Review in the American States
Authors: Crabtree Charles , Nelson Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Does the use of judicial review by unelected judges harm public support for their decisions? Scholars have often answered this question in the affirmative. We examine the extent to which the use of judicial review reduces the ability of judges to achieve acceptance of their decisions, arguing that decisions made by elected judges may be more palatable to the public. Our experimental evidence demonstrates that the public is less prone to accept both decisions made by appointed judges and judicial decisions that strike down laws. However, the public is no more likely to accept the use of judicial review by an appointed court than an elected court. The results have implications both for institutional design in the American states and the microfoundations of judicial independence.
New-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Normal Subjects 100% Differentiated by P300
Authors: Jervis B. W. , Bigan C. , Jervis M. W. , Besleaga M.
Published: February 2019

Previous work has suggested that evoked potential analysis might allow the detection of subjects with new-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which would be useful clinically and personally. Here, it is described how subjects with new-onset Alzheimer’s disease have been differentiated from healthy, normal subjects to 100% accuracy, based on the back-projected independent components (BICs) of the P300 peak at the electroencephalogram electrodes in the response to an oddball, auditory-evoked potential paradigm. After artifact removal, clustering, selection, and normalization processes, the BICs were classified using a neural network, a Bayes classifier, and a voting strategy. The technique is general and might be applied for presymptomatic detection and to other conditions and evoked potentials, although further validation with more subjects, preferably in multicenter studies is recommended.
Meta-Analysis of 5-Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy Combined With Traditional Chinese Medicines for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chen Peng , Ni Wei , Xie Tian , Sui Xinbing
Published: February 2019

This meta-analysis evaluates the clinical evidence for the addition of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of tumor response rate (TRR). Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of 5-FU-based chemotherapy combined with TCMs compared to the same 5-FU-based regimen. Forty-five randomized controlled trials were involved in this study, and all the data were analyzed by Stata software (version 14.0). Our results suggested that the TRR of the group with TCMs combined with 5-FU-based regimens was higher than that in the group with 5-FU regimens alone (risk ratio [RR] 1.36 [1.25-1.49], I2 = 0%). Furthermore, both nonoral administration (RR 1.51 [1.29-1.76], I2 = 0%) and oral administration (RR 1.31 [1.18-1.45], I2 = 0%) of TCMs showed benefits to the CRC treatment. Further sensitivity analysis of specific plant-based TCMs found that fuling, sheshecao, banzhilian, eshu, baizhu, huangqi, yiyiren, and dangshen had significantly higher contributions to the results of the risk ratio. Therefore, TCMs may have the potential to improve the efficacy of 5-FU-based chemotherapy for CRC.
Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in inflammation
Authors: Wu David H , Hatzopoulos Antonis K
Published: February 2019

Bone morphogenetic protein signaling has long been established as a crucial pathway during embryonic development. In recent years, our knowledge of the function of bone morphogenetic protein signaling has expanded dramatically beyond solely its important role in development. Today, the pathway is known to have important homeostatic functions across multiple different tissues in the adult. Even more importantly, bone morphogenetic protein signaling is now known to function as a driver of diseases in the adult spanning different organ systems. In this review, we will explore the functions of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in diseases of inflammation. Through this exploration, we will highlight the value and challenges in targeting bone morphogenetic protein signaling for therapeutic interventions.

Impact statement

By compiling findings from recent studies, this review will garner novel insight on the dynamic and complex role of BMP signaling in diseases of inflammation, highlighting the specific roles played by both individual ligands and endogenous antagonists. Ultimately, this summary will help inform the high therapeutic value of targeting this pathway for modulating diseases of inflammation.