bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Naturalistic, Randomized Pilot Trial of E-Cigarettes: Uptake, Exposure, and Behavioral Effects
Authors: Carpenter Matthew J. , Heckman Bryan W. , Wahlquist Amy E. , Wagener Theodore L. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Gray Kevin M. , Froeliger Brett , Cummings K. Michael
Published: November 2017

Background: Most studies of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) compare self-selected users versus nonusers. The few randomized studies to date generally support a positive impact on reducing smoking behavior, but these studies are focused on guided ENDS use. This study presents a randomized, naturalistic trial of ENDS with prospective outcomes of uptake and behavioral changes in smoking.

Methods: Adult smokers with minimal ENDS history were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive product for 3 weeks (n = 46), or not (n = 22). Changes in nicotine delivery (16 vs. 24 mg), midway through the study allowed a compelling opportunity to examine two ENDS products compared with the control group. Primary outcomes, assessed via daily diaries during sampling period and in-person laboratory visits over 4 months, included uptake and usage of ENDS, cessation-related outcomes, and exposure to smoke constituents.

Results: All ENDS participants tried product at least once, with 48% of 24 mg and 30% of 16 mg using their assigned product for the entire sampling period. Within the 24 mg ENDs group, 57% made an independent purchase of ENDS, versus 28% of 16 mg, and 14% of control participants (P = 0.01). Smokers in both ENDS groups significantly reduced their smoking, whereas control participants did not (P = 0.03). Cessation behaviors (quit attempts, biologically verified abstinence) numerically but not statistically favored ENDS participants.

Conclusions: Results suggest that cigarette smokers are willing to use ENDS with trends toward reduced cigarette smoking and positive changes in cessation-related behaviors.

Impact: Randomized, naturalistic trials such as presented herein are needed to understand the population impact of e-cigarettes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(12); 1795–803. ©2017 AACR.
Myointimal Hyperplasia in a Patient with Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic’s Disease) after the Creation of an Arteriovenous Graft
Authors: Rao Christina , Fox Stephanie , Desai Sapan S.
Published: November 2017

Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the inflammation and demyelination of nerves. Devic’s disease primarily affects the optic nerve and spinal cord, but can lead to a significant loss of function throughout the body if not treated with steroid therapy or plasmapheresis. We recently saw a 62-year-old patient who received plasmapheresis for Devic’s disease through a PTFE arteriovenous graft in her left arm. Her graft clotted without warning, and percutaneous thrombolysis was not successful. A new vascular access was achieved with the use of an immediate-cannulation PTFE graft, and the patient received plasmapheresis immediately after her operation. However, the patient returned within 2 weeks with a thrombosed graft. Extensive myointimal fibrosis was noted within the brachial artery and axillary vein during a graft thrombectomy. Subsequent placement of a new arteriovenous fistula in her contralateral arm was eventually successful. Myointimal fibrosis may be a sequela of symptomatic antibody-positive Devic’s disease, and avoidance of synthetic materials may be indicated in this patient population to avoid exacerbation of an autoimmune response.
Intraoperative Rupture of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm during Craniotomy: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshiki Kenji , Misaki Kouichi , Nambu Iku , Fukui Issei , Mohri Masanao , Uchiyama Naoyuki , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: November 2017

An unruptured aneurysm was incidentally found in the right middle cerebral artery in a 67-year-old woman. During an attempt to turn the temporalis muscle for surgical clipping, systolic blood pressure suddenly increased. After opening the dura mater, we found a subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe brain swelling. We promptly expanded the craniotomy area to reach the aneurysm while pulling part of the frontal lobe to apply a clip. We retrospectively analyzed the aneurysm using computational fluid dynamics. Our analysis suggests that the rupture of the aneurysm occurred at a location with very low wall shear stress.
Genetic and Pathological Assessment of hnRNPA1, hnRNPA2/B1, and hnRNPA3 in Familial and Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Fifita Jennifer A. , Zhang Katharine Y. , Galper Jasmin , Williams Kelly L. , McCann Emily P. , Hogan Alison L. , Saunders Neil , Bauer Denis , Tarr Ingrid S. , Pamphlett Roger , Nicholson Garth A. , Rowe Dominic , Yang Shu , Blair Ian P.
Published: November 2017

Background: Mutations in the genes encoding the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2/B1 have been reported in a multisystem proteinopathy that includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia. Mutations were also described in the prion-like domain of hnRNPA1 in patients with classic ALS. Another hnRNP protein, hnRNPA3, has been found to be associated with the ALS/frontotemporal dementia protein C9orf72. Objective: To further assess their role in ALS, we examined these hnRNPs in spinal cord tissue from sporadic (SALS) and familial ALS (FALS) patients, including C9orf72 repeat expansion-positive patients, and controls. We also sought to determine the prevalence of HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2B1, and HNRNPA3 mutations in Australian ALS patients. Methods: Immunostaining was used to assess hnRNPs in ALS patient spinal cords. Mutation analysis of the HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2B1, and HNRNPA3 genes was performed in FALS and of their prion-like domains in SALS patients. Results: Immunostaining of spinal motor neurons of ALS patients with the C9orf72 repeat expansion showed significant mislocalisation of hnRNPA3, and no differences in hnRNPA1 or A2/B1 localisation, compared to controls. No novel or known mutations were identified in HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2B1, or HNRNPA3 in Australian ALS patients. Conclusions: hnRNPA3 pathology was identified in motor neurons of ALS patients with C9orf72 repeat expansions, implicating hnRNPA3 in the pathogenesis of C9orf72-linked ALS. hnRNPA3 warrants further investigation into the pathogenesis of ALS linked to C9orf72. This study also determined that HNRNP mutations are not a common cause of FALS and SALS in Australia.
Statokinetic Dissociation (Riddoch Phenomenon) in a Patient with Homonymous Hemianopsia as the First Sign of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
Authors: Hayashi Ryuichiro , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Narimatsu Toshio , Miyata Hiroshi , Katsumata Yasushi , Mimura Masaru
Published: November 2017

We report a 60-year-old woman with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) who presented with left homonymous hemianopsia persisting for 5 years; the patient’s condition was observed using static, but not kinetic, perimetry. This statokinetic dissociation of hemianopsia, which is often called Riddoch syndrome, might have been caused by a dysfunction of the right primary visual and visual association cortices, representing a functional imbalance within a disturbed visual cortex. In patients with PCA and visual field defects, both static and kinetic perimetry may be useful for understanding the extent of degeneration in the visual cortex, in addition to examinations of unilateral neglect.
High-Grade Urothelial Carcinoma on Urine Cytology Resembling Umbrella Cells
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Gould Edwin W.
Published: November 2017

Context: High-grade urothelial carcinoma (UC) cells have many appearances on urine cytology, but according to The Paris System, they can be easily distinguished from umbrella cells. Objective: We aimed to define the incidence and appearance of high-grade UC cells that resemble umbrella cells in Cytospin preparations on urine cytology. Results: Cytospin preparations from 331 cases with biopsy follow-up (230 benign/low-grade and 101 malignant [22 carcinoma in situ, 52 papillary, 19 invasive UC, 8 other] cases) were reviewed. A total of 18 cases with malignant cells resembling umbrella cells were identified (17.8% of the malignant cases) and were the only type of malignant cell in 3% of the cases. Two patterns were identified. Tumor cells were either identifiable by at least 20 abnormal cells which were large, had abundant cytoplasm but an elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, and markedly enlarged, round-to-elongated nucleoli, or else rare cells with abundant cytoplasm but obviously malignant nuclei. Cells without nucleoli or obviously malignant nuclei were not specific. Conclusions: Malignant cells resembling umbrella cells can be seen in up to 17% of urine cytology specimens.
Occult Breast Carcinoma Presenting as Scalp Metastasis
Authors: Costa Ricardo L.B. , Costa-Filho Rubens B. , Rosa Marilin , Czerniecki Brian J.
Published: November 2017

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women, and approximately 6% of the patients have de novo metastatic breast cancer. Occult breast cancer accounts for only 0.1–0.8% of the cases and most commonly presents with axillary lymphadenopathy. Scalp metastases are rare and have been described as a sign of progression or widespread metastatic disease. Here, we describe a rare case of de novo metastatic breast cancer to the scalp as the single site of spread and without an identifiable primary breast tumor.
Multiorgan, Multimodality Imaging in Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Kumar Vidhya , Hsueh Willa A. , Raman Subha V.
Published: November 2017

Cardiometabolic disease, spanning conditions such as obesity to type 2 diabetes mellitus with excess cardiovascular risk, represents a major public health burden. Advances in preclinical translational science point to potential targets across multiple organ systems for early intervention to improve cardiometabolic health. Validation in clinical trials and translation to care would benefit from in vivo diagnostic techniques that facilitate therapeutic advancements. This review provides a state-of-the-art, multimodality perspective spanning the multiple organ systems that contribute to cardiometabolic disease.
Eligibility for PCSK9 Inhibitors According to American College of Cardiology (ACC) and European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) Guidelines After Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Gencer Baris , Koskinas Konstantinos C. , Räber Lorenz , Karagiannis Alexios , Nanchen David , Auer Reto , Carballo David , Carballo Sebastian , Klingenberg Roland , Heg Dik , Matter Christian M. , Lüscher Thomas F. , Rodondi Nicolas , Mach François , Windecker Stephan
Published: November 2017

Background

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) have recently published recommendations for the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin‐9 (
PCSK
9) inhibitors in situations of very high risk. We aim to assess in the real world the suitability of
PCSK
9 inhibitors for acute coronary syndromes.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a prospective Swiss cohort of 2023 patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes between 2009 and 2014 with available data for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipid‐lowering therapy at 1 year. Clinical familial hypercholesterolemia was defined using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network algorithm as unlikely, possible, probable, or definite. We simulated a fixed relative reduction of 24% in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at 1 year in all patients not treated with ezetimibe, irrespective of the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and statin regimen. At 1 year, 94.3% of patients were treated with statin, 5.8% with ezetimibe, and 35.8% of patients had on‐target low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (<1.8 mmol/L); 25.6% met criteria for possible or probable/definite familial hypercholesterolemia. After a simulation of the lipid‐lowering effect of ezetimibe, the proportion of patients who would be eligible for
PCSK
9 inhibitors at 1 year was 13.4% using American College of Cardiology criteria and 2.7% using European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society criteria. Patients with possible or probable/definite familial hypercholesterolemia were more eligible for
PCSK
9 inhibitors compared with their non–familial hypercholesterolemia counterparts: 27.6% versus 8.8% according to American College of Cardiology criteria and 6.6% versus 1.8% according to European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society criteria (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Recommendations made by the American College of Cardiology guidelines would lead to 5‐fold higher eligibility rates for
PCSK
9 inhibitors compared to the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement in acute coronary syndrome patients.
Nebivolol, But Not Metoprolol, Treatment Improves Endothelial Fibrinolytic Capacity in Adults With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Stauffer Brian L. , Dow Caitlin A. , Diehl Kyle J. , Bammert Tyler D. , Greiner Jared J. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Vascular endothelial fibrinolytic function is impaired in adults with prehypertension and hypertension and plays a mechanistic role in the development of atherothrombotic events. The influence of β‐blockers on endothelial fibrinolysis is unknown. This study compared the effects of chronic nebivolol and metoprolol treatment on endothelial tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐
PA
) release in adults with elevated blood pressure (BP).

Methods and Results

Forty‐four middle‐aged adults (36% women) with elevated BP completed a 3‐month, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial comparing nebivolol (5 mg/d), metoprolol succinate (100 mg/d), and placebo. Net endothelial t‐
PA
release was determined in vivo in response to intrabrachial infusions of bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside before and after each intervention. In a subset, the dose‐response curves to bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside were repeated with a coinfusion of the antioxidant vitamin C. At baseline, resting BP and endothelial t‐
PA
release were comparable between the 3 groups. BP decreased to a similar extent (≈10 mm Hg) in the nebivolol‐ and metoprolol‐treated groups. There was a substantial increase (≈30%;
P
<0.05) in the capacity of the endothelium to release t‐
PA
following chronic treatment with nebivolol but not metoprolol or placebo. Mitigating oxidant stress with vitamin C coinfusion potentiated t‐
PA
release (90%;
P
<0.05) at baseline in all groups. However, after the intervention, t‐
PA
release was unchanged by vitamin C coinfusion in the nebivolol group only.

Conclusions

Nebivolol but not metoprolol improves endothelial t‐
PA
release in adults with elevated BP. This may be an important vascular benefit of nebivolol.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01595516.
Bleeding Complications in Anticoagulated Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Sepsis: A Propensity‐Weighted Cohort Study
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Skjøth Flemming , Kjældgaard Jette Nordstrøm , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: November 2017

Background

Sepsis may adversely affect bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (
AF
), but the impact of warfarin treatment in such patients is poorly described. This registry‐based nationwide cohort study examined safety of oral anticoagulant treatment (OAC) in patients with preexisting
AF
who were hospitalized because of incident sepsis in the period 2000–2015.

Methods and Results

We identified 3030
AF
patients who were warfarin users at the time of sepsis diagnosis, and we used inverse probability of treatment weighting to compare the rates of bleeding, thromboembolic events, and death within 90 days after sepsis diagnosis with a comparable cohort of 55721 patients without warfarin treatment and known
AF
. Weighted 90‐day bleeding rates were slightly higher among warfarin users compared with nonusers (0.14 versus 0.12 per 100 person‐years), yielding a weighted hazard ratio of 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.41). Thromboembolic event rates during the 90‐days after sepsis were marginally higher among warfarin users versus nonusers (0.04 versus 0.03; hazard ratio: 1.25, 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.76), while the 90‐day all‐cause mortality was substantially lower among warfarin users (hazard ratio: 0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.69). Various sensitivity analyses conducted to challenge the robustness these findings yielded results that were consistent with the main findings.

Conclusions

AF
patients who are on warfarin therapy at sepsis diagnosis experienced an increase in bleeding rates within the 3 months following sepsis. Warfarin use was associated with lower mortality, despite virtually comparable thromboembolic event rates.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Outcome After Thrombolysis in Stroke Patients Using Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors
Authors: Scheitz Jan F. , Turc Guillaume , Kujala Linda , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Heldner Mirjam R. , Zonneveld Thomas P. , Erdur Hebun , Curtze Sami , Traenka Christopher , Brenière Céline , Wiest Roland , Rocco Andrea , Sibolt Gerli , Gensicke Henrik , Endres Matthias , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Béjot Yannick , Nederkoorn Paul J. , Oppenheim Catherine , Arnold Marcel , Engelter Stefan T. , Strbian Daniel , Nolte Christian H.
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose—

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) impair platelet function and have been linked to a higher risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage—an association that may be augmented by oral anticoagulants (OAC). We aimed to assess whether preadmission treatment with SSRIs in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with post-thrombolysis symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcome.

Methods—

A multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted in prospective registries of patients treated by thrombolysis within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. The association between preadmission treatment with SSRIs and sICH (ECASS II definition [European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study]) or unfavorable 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2) was assessed by logistic regression, taking into account potential interaction with concomitant use of antithrombotics.

Results—

Six thousand two hundred forty-two patients were included (mean age, 70.1±14.0 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 9 [5–16]). Preadmission treatment with SSRIs was present in 4.3% (n=266) of patients. Overall, SICH rate was 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5%–4.4%; n=244), and SSRI use was not significantly associated with sICH in unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% CI, 0.72–2.27) or adjusted (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.71–2.40) analysis. However, there was a significant interaction of concomitant use of OACs (international normalized ratio <1.7) and SSRI for occurrence of sICH (
P
=0.01). SICH was significantly more frequent in patients taking both OAC and SSRI (23.1%; 95% CI, 8.2%–50.3%) than in patients taking OAC but not SSRI (adjusted OR, 9.04; 95% CI, 1.95–41.89). Preadmission use of SSRI was associated with unfavorable 3-month outcome (unadjusted OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.48–2.46; adjusted OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.15–2.19).

Conclusions—

Preadmission treatment with SSRIs was not significantly associated with an increased risk of post-thrombolysis sICH in this cohort study. However, subgroup analysis suggested an increased risk of sICH in patients taking both SSRI and OAC. Preadmission treatment with SSRIs was associated with unfavorable outcome, which may reflect the prognostic significance of prestroke depression.
The ‘Do It Yourself’ Paradigm: An Inquiry into the Historical Roots of the Neglect of Testimony
Authors: Alloa Emmanuel
Published: November 2017

In contemporary social epistemology, the claim has been made that there is a traditional “neglect of testimonial knowledge,” and that in the history of epistemology, first-hand self-knowledge was invariably prioritised over secondary knowledge. While this paper acknowledges some truth in these statements, it challenges the given explanations: the mentioned neglect of testimonial knowledge is based not so much on a primacy of self-knowledge, but that of self-agency. This article retraces some crucial chapters of this ‘do-it-yourself’ paradigm: it considers the imperative of autopsia in early Greek epistemology, history and medicine, and the early modern refashioning of the privilege of self-generated and self-taught (autodidactic) knowledge. A new picture emerges of how the emphasis on (self-)agency progressively shifted towards a focus on the self as the source of ultimate knowledge.
Reading The Idea of History through The Principles of Art: Collingwood on Communication and Emotions
Authors: Mostajir Parysa Clare
Published: November 2017

While Collingwood’s Idea of History (ih) is an excellent resource for defending history’s autonomy, its invocation is not without problems. If history deals only in reflective thought, how can it encompass irrational action? How can history reconcile its subjective method of imagination with its claim to objectivity? The most successful solutions to these problems, such as those proposed by D’Oro and Mink, appeal to Collingwood’s greater philosophical system, but they typically attribute him a restrictive and unintuitive view of historical inquiry. We are left with a historical practice that is less equipped to address the problems we intuitively want it to solve – those dealing with past human experience as it actually occurred. Using The Principles of Art (pa), I present an interpretation of Collingwood’s philosophy of history in which emotions are communicable between individuals. His theory of art defines artistic creation as a process in which unconscious emotions are harnessed and transformed into conscious emotions, which can then draw another individual into an imaginative experience that ‘repeats’ or ‘is identical with’ the artist’s original experience. We therefore acquire an account of historical inquiry that permits the interpretation of emotionally-driven actions. In this interpretation, the a priori imagination becomes an irreducible faculty of everyday human activity, a means of interpreting fellow agents in our social environments; and the onus is transferred to the natural sciences to justify their encroachment into this irreducible activity at the foundation of human experience and society.
Historicizing the Ottoman Timar System: Identities of Timar-Holders, Fourteenth to Seventeenth Centuries
Authors: Darling Linda T.
Published: November 2017

This article aims to develop a new narrative of changes in the Ottoman timar system independent of the complaints of decline brought by advice writers like Mustafa ‘Ali. Based on the icmal defterleri, it examines the identities of timar-holders and their changes over time, a topic generally ignored in descriptions of the Ottoman military. Using data from earlier studies, it connects changes in timar-holding with changing conditions in the sultans’ reigns. It then takes a longer-term look at these changes over the half-centuries and finds the well-known complaints in the nasihatnameler to be based on a very short-term view of the system.
Taxonomic study of the fern genera Abrodictyum C.Presl and Trichomanes L. (Hymenophyllaceae, Polypodiidae) in the western Indian Ocean, and description of a new Abrodictyum species for Madagascar
Authors: DUBUISSON JEAN-YVES , BAURET LUCIE , GRALL AURELIE , SENTERRE BRUNO , SAID AHAMADA H. , PYNEE KERSLEY , EBIHARA ATSUSHI , HENNEQUIN SABINE
Published: November 2017

Recent studies on both genera Abrodictyum and Trichomanes (Hymenophyllaceae) in western Indian Ocean (Madagascar and neighbouring islands) resolved many taxonomic problems and led to the identification of new species. We propose here to finalize the taxonomic revision of both genera for the region, by completing and combining an expanded rbcL molecular phylogeny with morphological investigations and field observations on all the recognized species. Our results confirm the distinction of the supposedly six species of Abrodictyum and three species of Trichomanes. They also reveal the polyphyly of the highly polymorphic A. meifolium. Additional investigations on A. meifolium suggest the existence of at least two distinct taxa: the true highly variable and widespread A. meifolium which is renamed A. parviflorum comb. nov. and the newly described A. cylindratum sp. nov. restricted to Madagascar. A key and updated descriptions (including new diagnostic characters for A. tamarisciforme) are provided for the seven Abrodictyum and three Trichomanes species present in the western Indian Ocean.
Morphology and ultrastructure of Sellaphora constrictum sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new diatom from southern China
Authors: YOU Q-M. , KOCIOLEK J.P. , CAI M-J. , LOWE R.L. , LIU Y. , WANG Q-X.
Published: November 2017

A new diatom species, Sellaphora constrictum sp. nov., is reported from a karst landform in the Maolan Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. Valves of the new species are broadly linear, slightly constricted in the middle part of the margins and have round apices, an undulate filiform to lateral raphe, a narrow axial area and a narrow conopeum bordering axial area on each side. This species also has undulate ridges along the margin and near the center of the valve, giving the impression of longitudinal ridges on either side of the axial area under light microscopy. Internally, a round opening is present in the apex of the valve, and thickened transverse bars are absent in this region. There are two types of areolae on the valve exterior. Together these features distinguish the new species from all others currently assigned to the genus. We discuss the growing number of new species and genera from freshwater environments in China, and interpretations about the delineation of the genus Sellaphora.
An interesting sexually dimorphic species, Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Parakalummidae) with remarks on sexual dimorphism in Oripodoidea
Authors: BAYARTOGTOKH BADAMDORJ , ERMILOV SERGEY G. , CORPUZ-RAROS LEONILA
Published: November 2017

A new species Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. showing an interesting sexual dimorphism is described from bamboo litter on Luzon Island in the Philippines. This species is unique among other species of Neoribates in the structure of the posterior part of notogaster in males, which has a large round concavity bearing a pair of large sacculi S3. The specific function of this structure is not yet known, but the found sexual dimorphism is presumably involved in pheromonal communication allowing rapid sperm transfer. This is the fourth Neoribates species displaying sexually dimorphic characters. Additionally, Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. differs from the morphologically most similar species, Neoribates barbatus Hammer, 1968, by its smaller body size, pointed rostrum, long and setiform bothridial setae and the localization of notogastral setae h1 and h2, which insert close to each other. Further, we discussed all cases of sexual dimorphism in the family Parakalummidae as well as other related groups of Oripodoidea, and the possible function of these modifications.
Selection Processes in Prison-Based Treatment Referrals: A Street-Level Bureaucracy Perspective
Authors: Bosma A. Q. , Kunst M. J. J. , Dirkzwager A. J. E. , Nieuwbeerta P.
Published: November 2017

Studies indicated that detainees are not always allocated to treatment programs based on official guidelines. Street-level bureaucracy theory suggests that this is because government employees do not always perform policies as prescribed. This study aimed to assess whether this also applies to the allocation of offenders to treatment in Dutch penitentiary institutions, and aimed to determine which factors influenced this. The proposed questions were addressed by studying a group of 541 male prisoners who participated in the Dutch prison-based Prevention of Recidivism program. Results showed that official guidelines were, in most cases, not leading when referring detainees to programs. Instead, treatment referrals were influenced by a broad range of risk factors, as well as the length of an offender’s sentence.
Lumbar Spine Surgeries and Medication Usage During Hospital Stay: One-Center Perspective
Authors: Sharma Neena K. , Olotu Busuyi , Mathew Asha , Waitman Lemuel R. , Rasu Rafia
Published: November 2017

Background: Pain after spine surgery is usually managed with opioid and nonopioids. The rate of lumbar spine surgeries (LSS) is rising, but current practices on LSS are not known. A current trend in LSS and medication usage by age group is needed to gain a better understanding of how LSS and its pain management vary by age. Objective: The aim of this study was to report current practices of LSS of discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion in patients aged 18 and older and to gain an understanding of medication use for management of LSS. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data of the University of Kansas Medical Center from 2007 to 2014 of patients (>18 years of age) undergoing laminectomy, discectomy, and fusion. Results: A total of 19 463 patients underwent LSS between 2007 and 2014 at Kansas University hospital. For the purpose of this study, 3115 patients’ medical records were observed. A 50% increase in LSS between 2007 and 2014 was noted. Specifically, more than 2-fold increase in LSS was observed in patients aged 65 years and older. Among those aged 65 years and older, laminectomy was the most commonly performed surgery (69.6%) while discectomy was the most common surgery performed among those aged 18 to 34 (82.9%) and those aged 35 to 44 (72%). The medication use also increased with a highest usage in opioids alone (55%), followed by opioids combined with other analgesics (42.7%), regardless of lumbar surgery type or age. Conclusion: The information of increase in both LSS and the medication usage over the 7 years can be used to gain a better understanding of quality, expenditure, and outcomes following LSS. This knowledge may help health care providers plan patient care and rehabilitation services for older adults, as the trajectory of lumbar spine surgery is likely to rise with growing prevalence of older adults. The information regarding increased opioid utilization may also help clinicians to refine opioid usage and consider alternative approaches to manage acute postoperative pain, in light of the current concerns related to overutilization of opioids.
Production Standard and Stability of Compounded Del Nido Cardioplegia Solution
Authors: Pereira Luis M. , Matte Gregory S. , Lutz Peter , Arnold Alana , Patterson Al
Published: November 2017

Background: The del Nido cardioplegia solution (dNCS) was originally developed for pediatric cardiac surgery, being now also used for adult patients. Hospital pharmacies frequently resort to internal dNCS production which has led to an increase in the need for validated parameters for compounding and storage. Objective: This report defines in-house production standards, as well as the stability of dNCS under optimal storage conditions. Methods: All ingredients were sterile and United States Pharmacopeia (USP)/National Formulary (NF) certified. All final bags were quarantined at 4°C for quality control, when 3 of 33 weekly bags were randomly assayed for potassium content. Each lot was only released if all 3 samples were within ±5% of target. Stability testing was performed per USP 797 guidance. Over a 6-month period, 4 different lots and 4 bags from each lot of dNCS were assayed. Each bag was assessed for physical and chemical stability while refrigerated at 4°C, at 35°C in an incubator, and at 70°C under 80% relative humidity. A light exposure arm was also set up at 25°C under 150 lumens. Calibrators of lidocaine, mannitol, and gluconate were freshly prepared and assayed with the samples by Liquid chromatography/Mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results: Lidocaine concentrations averaged 0.117 mg/mL (95.8% of theoretical) at 4°C for 30 days. At 35°C, they decayed by 67% in 30 days, while at 70°C nearly 50% was lost after the first day. A first-order kinetics was observed with an Arrhenius activation energy of 25 kcal/mol. Degradation products identified under stress conditions were absent in the stable product. Conclusions: The dNCS is stable for at least 30 days under 4°C refrigeration in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags.
Direct and Indirect Remuneration Fees: The Controversy Continues
Authors: Gabay Michael
Published: November 2017

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initially created direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees with the enactment of Medicare Part D in order to track rebates and other price adjustments made to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs have expanded the use of these fees to “claw back” money from pharmacies on already dispensed medications. Community and specialty pharmacies claim these fees are not transparent, hurt patients and taxpayers, and negatively impact their fiscal bottom line, while PBMs assert that these fees actually reduce premiums for patients. Congress has stepped into the dispute by introducing legislation that would halt retroactive DIR fees.
The competing influences of national identity on the negotiation of ideal worker expectations: Insights from the Sri Lankan knowledge work industry
Authors: Croft Charlotte , Fernando Weerahannadige Dulini Anuvinda
Published: November 2017

How does national identity influence the way individuals respond to the demands of their work? Despite an increasing awareness of the complex interplay between intersecting social identities and work demands, our understanding of how they are influenced by national identity is underdeveloped. This article presents the accounts of employees from two Sri Lankan knowledge work industries, who were attempting to align work demands associated with ideal worker expectations, with the social demands associated with their national identity. Conceptualizing the empirical setting of Sri Lanka as a collectivist national context, we offer two theoretical contributions. First, by showing how a shared national identity significantly influences divergence from, and conformity to, ideal worker expectations in Sri Lankan organizations, we generalize understandings of individuals’ negotiation of ideal worker expectations. In doing so, we build on and extend the prevailing ‘individualistic’ assumptions in collectivistic settings. Second, we show how ideal worker expectations enabled individuals to fulfill and refine demands associated with their non-western national identity, contesting assumptions that non-western national identities are challenging or constraining in global organizations. These findings lead us to propose a reciprocal influence between ideal worker expectations in global organizations, and expectations associated with national identities.
Calcium Phosphate Microspheres as a Delivery Vehicle for Tooth-Bleaching Agents
Authors: Mellgren T. , Qin T. , Öhman-Mägi C. , Zhang Y. , Wu B. , Xia W. , Engqvist H.
Published: November 2017

Bleaching of vital teeth has become common practice in cosmetic dentistry today. Tooth sensitivity and demineralization of the enamel are, however, common side effects associated with hydrogen and carbamide peroxide bleaching. This study investigated if calcium phosphate microspheres, which have remineralizing properties, could be used as an additive without hindering the diffusion of the bleaching agent and if the spheres could be used as a carrier for carbamide peroxide. A remineralizing agent could increase the safety of bleaching and decrease the severity of its side effects. Comparisons between current hydrogen peroxide diffusion studies and previously published work are difficult since many studies include challenging-to-replicate conditions or lack reporting of important parameters. Hence, a diffusion model was designed by Wu Lab (School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles) to measure the diffusion flux and determine the diffusivity of hydrogen peroxide. Physical parameters (e.g., diffusivity) could then be used for direct comparison to the results obtained by future studies. Three whitening gels with increasing amounts of spheres were formulated and tested with 2 commercially available whitening gels. The flux of hydrogen peroxide through 1-mm discs of bovine enamel was measured at steady-state conditions, and the diffusivity was calculated. The results showed that the spheres could be used as a carrier for carbamide peroxide and that the amount of spheres did not affect the diffusivity of peroxide through the enamel discs. Hence, the microspheres are considered promising as an additive to minimize side effects in bleaching gel formulation.
Book Review: Ashok Sharma, Indian Lobbying and its Influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War
Authors: Singh Priti
Published: November 2017

Ashok Sharma, Indian Lobbying and its Influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2017, xvii + 303 pp., ₹895 (hardback), ISBN 978-93-860-6212-3.
Book Review: Kaushik Sunder Rajan, Pharmocracy: Value, Politics, and Knowledge in Global Medicine
Authors: Nagla Madhu
Published: November 2017

Kaushik Sunder Rajan, Pharmocracy: Value, Politics, and Knowledge in Global Medicine. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2017, 328 pp., ₹1,095 (hardback), ISBN 978-93-86392-47-3.
Book Review: Madhuri Bose, The Bose Brothers and Indian Independence: An Insider’s Account
Authors: Singh Chandra Shekher
Published: November 2017

Madhuri Bose, The Bose Brothers and Indian Independence: An Insider’s Account. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2016, xxx + 264 pp., ₹750 (hardback), ISBN 978-93-515-0397-2.
Comprehension Context and Sponsor Effects in a Hospital Mental Health Study
Authors: Gibson C. Ben , Mayhall Timothy B.
Published: November 2017

Although a wealth of literature exists studying the effect of sponsor characteristics on self-reports of mental health, little work assesses a related but potentially powerful effect: a context comprehension effect, that is, a change in the respondent’s interpretation of a survey question, given the concept elicited by the interviewer. Further, most studies of sponsor effects assess mean differences in responses according to sponsor type; no work has studied how these effects can affect the reliability of a psychometric instrument, which are of general importance to sociological studies of health. Here, using a study of 169 recently discharged hospital patients, we find that both effects are likely to have affected responses and, together, negated the reliability of a psychometric instrument. Future studies should consider the effect of not only sponsor characteristics upon responses but also consider how questions might be interpreted given in an interview context.
Ruth and Esther: Negotiable space in Christopher Wright’s The Mission of God?
Authors: Sun Chloe
Published: November 2017

In the volume entitled The Mission of God, author Christopher J.H. Wright (2006) endeavors to search for a missional hermeneutic that unlocks the Bible’s grand narrative. The book’s comprehensiveness and extensiveness would be difficult to match in years to come. However, the books of Ruth and Esther are notably overlooked and mentioned only in passing. This glaring omission implies an insignificance and irrelevance of the two books in contributing to the hermeneutic of missions. Should these two books be included or excluded in the grand narrative of the mission of God? This paper positions Ruth and Esther at an indispensable place in a missional hermeneutic that nuances the intricacies of the Abrahamic covenant, the diaspora, and gender in God’s grand narrative.
The role of transnational education in public administration and public affairs to support ‘good governance’ in the Turkish republic of North Cyprus
Authors: Connolly John , Gifford Anne , Kanol Direnç , Yilmaz Omur
Published: November 2017

This article addresses the role and opportunities for public administration and public affairs education in North Cyprus. The context of the research is situated within a transnational education partnership between the University of the West of Scotland and the Management Centre of the Mediterranean (Nicosia, North Cyprus). The dominant narrative of the article is, based on the case of North Cyprus, to provide key insights into why public administration and public affairs education is a force for development in governance and civil society terms. The political context of North Cyprus is such that it is in the midst of significant change based on the twin governance challenges of, first, uncertainty regarding its international status (following the Cypriot coup d’etat and Turkish intervention in 1974 that led to North declaring independence in 1983 and becoming the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus) and, second, efforts to accommodate ‘acquis communautaire’ in order to progress towards EU accession (subject to successful reunification with the South). An underpinning reflective consideration in the article relates to how such educational programmes, based on a franchised model, address aspects of ‘good governance’ (often based on a Western paradigm) but, at the same time, are also suitably responsive to local civil society and political contexts.
Interpersonal Processes of Couples’ Daily Support for Goal Pursuit: The Example of Physical Activity
Authors: Berli Corina , Bolger Niall , Shrout Patrick E. , Stadler Gertraud , Scholz Urte
Published: November 2017

Little is known about how couples’ social support facilitates the pursuit of important goals in daily life. Using an interpersonal perspective, we examined the effects of support provision and receipt on same-day physical activity, and studied the role of partners’ joint engagement in activities. One hundred nineteen heterosexual couples reported on target persons’ received and partners’ provided support across 28 diary days, yielding 2,854 valid days. A dyadic report on couples’ joint engagement was obtained from a subset of 88 couples. Target persons’ daily activity was objectively assessed via accelerometers. On days with high versus low levels of provided support, target persons’ activity was 25 min higher. Support receipt mediated 20% of this effect. Joint engagement accounted for around half of the effects of provided and received support. Support provision is uniquely linked to goal implementation in everyday life. Joint engagement in activities may be one explanation for how support is facilitated.
Teaching teachers: Methods and experiences used in educating doctoral students to prepare preservice music educators
Authors: Kelly Steven N. , VanWeelden Kimberly
Published: November 2017

This investigation addressed methods and experiences used to educate doctoral music education students to work as university college professors. Selected faculty representing every institution offering a Ph.D. in music education in the United States and Canada ( N = 46) were sent an online questionnaire concerning (1) the extent respondents believed doctoral music education students should perform student/class observations, teach music education classes, supervise field-teaching experiences, participate in teacher-related activities, and participate in scholarly activities; and (2) whether respondents’ institutions had doctoral music education students perform student/class observations, teach music education classes, supervise field/student teaching experiences, participate in teacher-related activities, and participate in scholarly activities.

Respondents strongly believed music education doctoral students should observe and assist in undergraduate classes, supervise field-teaching experiences, and conduct scholarly activities. Respondents placed less value on students interacting with public school teachers, teaching graduate music education courses, and participating in school/college committees. Respondents indicated their institutions did have students perform student/class observations, teach music education classes, supervise field-teaching experiences, participate in teacher-related activities, and participate in scholarly activities. However, interactions with public school teachers, teaching a graduate class, and participating in school/college committees were performed less.
Efficacy of ketamine for postoperative pain following robotic thyroidectomy: A prospective randomised study
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Park Hee-Pyoung , Jeong Mu-Hui , Son Je-Do , Kim Hyun-Chang
Published: November 2017

Objective

Although robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) is a minimally invasive surgery, percutaneous tunneling causes moderate to severe pain immediately postoperatively. We evaluated the efficacy of ketamine for postoperative pain management in patients following RoT.

Methods

Sixty-four patients scheduled for RoT were randomly divided into two groups. In the ketamine group (n = 32), ketamine was infused from induction of anaesthesia until the end of the procedure (0.15-mg/kg bolus with continuous infusion at 2 µg/kg/min). In the control group (n = 32), the same volume of saline was infused. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for acute and chronic pain, the incidence of hypoesthesia, postoperative analgesic requirements, and complications related to opioids or ketamine were compared between the two groups.

Results

The VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the ketamine group up to 24 h postoperatively. The VAS pain score when coughing was significantly higher in the control group than in the ketamine group at 24 h postoperatively. A significantly greater proportion of patients in the control group required rescue analgesics. Complications were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

Ketamine infusion decreased pain scores for 24 h postoperatively and reduced analgesic requirements without serious complications in patients following RoT. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01997801
Hypoxia due to positive pressure ventilation in Edwards’ syndrome: A case report
Authors: Hoon Sun kyung , Kang Seung-woo , Kwak Sang-Hyun , Kim Joungmin
Published: November 2017

Edwards’ syndrome also known as trisomy 18 is a congenital disorder associated with cardiovascular issues including ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent duct arteriosus (PDA). An emergency colostomy was performed on a neonate born with an imperforate anus. Pre-operative transthoracic echocardiography showed presence of VSD, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or ASD. Even though the baby had a good general condition and optimal peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), during positive pressure ventilation, she suffered severe hypoxia (50% SpO2). The cause of the hypoxia was thought to be the right-left shunt and so during a second attempt at anaesthesia a vasopressor (noradrenaline 0.03 µg/kg/min) was infused to increase systemic vascular resistance. Thereafter, SpO2 increased to 80–90% and the surgery was completed. The baby recovered without any neurological complications. Genetic testing post-partum showed she had Edwards’ syndrome.
Evidence for Two Levels of Intimate Partner Violence and Aggression Among Incarcerated Young Male Violent Offenders
Authors: Sjödin Anna-Kari , Wallinius Märta , Billstedt Eva , Hofvander Björn , Nilsson Thomas
Published: November 2017

Furthering knowledge of the subset of incarcerated partner violent offenders distinguished by aggression, anger, and hostility is relevant, as these offenders are guilty of the more severe kinds of intimate partner violence (IPV). Our aim was to identify groups with different patterns of IPV among convicted young Swedish male offenders, using data from the Development of Aggressive Antisocial Behavior Study, including 171 young men (18-25 years) convicted of a violent crime. Cluster analysis was used to identify different clusters based on amount and severity of IPV in combination with measures of anger, hostility, aggression, and psychopathic personality traits. The results point to an association between antisocial development, criminal history, the severity of current crime, and measures of aggression, hostility, and partner abuse. The cluster defined by higher levels of partner abuse and aggression was significantly associated with early onset conduct disorder.