bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Conventional Cytology, Liquid-Based Cytology, and Cell Block in the Evaluation of Peritoneal Fluid in Gynecology Malignancies
Authors: Amiri Zeinab , Momtahan Mozhdeh , Mokhtari Maral
Published: January 2019

Background: Peritoneal washing cytology has become an accepted method in evaluating gynecology malignancies. Objective: The aim of this work was to compare the conventional cytology, liquid-based cytology (LBC), and cell block in the evaluation of peritoneal fluid. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 cases with ovarian and uterine malignancy were included in this study. The age of the patients varied from 15 to 71 years. All the 48 cases were subjected to conventional smear, LBC, and cell block preparation. Results: The results of LBC and conventional methods were in line with all cytological criteria, except for the background (p = 0.045), but no significant difference was found regarding adequacy (p = 0.12), cellularity (p = 0.13), cell architecture (p = 0.751), nuclear details (p = 0.96), and cytoplasmic details (p = 0.32). The kappa correlation between conventional cytology and LBC, conventional cytology and cell block, and LBC and cell block was 0.769, 0.791, and 0.945, respectively. The most prevalent malignancy which led to peritoneal fluid involvement was papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary. Conclusion: Compared to conventional cytology, the liquid-based method had no significant superiority in the evaluation of the peritoneal fluid method, but the combined usage of smears and cell block improved the diagnostic accuracy of the peritoneal washing samples in different gynecological malignancies.
Elucidating DSM-5 and ICD-11 Diagnostic Features of Borderline Personality Disorder Using Schemas and Modes
Authors: Bach Bo , Lobbestael Jill
Published: January 2019

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) comprises a heterogeneous constellation of problems operationalized in the DSM-5 and the forthcoming ICD-11. In schema therapy, schemas and modes are employed to conceptualize and treat these problems. Aim: The current study investigated whether the 9 diagnostic BPD features are associated with schemas and modes. Method: Psychiatric outpatients with predominant BPD features (n = 142; 68% females) were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II (SCID-II) and self-report inventories for schemas and modes. Associations were investigated by means of bivariate point-biserial correlations and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: BPD features were largely associated with conceptually related schemas and modes. Consistent with the schema therapy literature and previous research, we found schemas of Abandonment/Instability and Mistrust/Abuse along with modes of Angry/Enraged Child, (internalized) Punitive Parent, and Impulsive Child to uniquely predict thematically related BPD features including fear of abandonment, self-destructiveness, feelings of emptiness, stress-related paranoid ideation, inappropriate anger, and impulsivity. Conclusion: Most of the 9 BPD features were related to conceptually meaningful schemas/modes, suggesting that BPD is composed of dormant themes along with salient affective-behavioral responses. Consequently, individual BPD features may be differentially conceptualized and targeted in therapy by means of schemas and modes.
Nucleobindin-2/Nesfatin-1 in the Human Hypothalamus Is Reduced in Obese Subjects and Colocalizes with Oxytocin, Vasopressin, Melanin-Concentrating Hormone, and Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript
Authors: Psilopanagioti Aristea , Nikou Sofia , Papadaki Helen
Published: January 2019

Background/Aims: Nesfatin-1, processed from nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), is a potent anorexigenic peptide being expressed in rodent hypothalamic nuclei and involved in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight in animals. The present study aimed to investigate NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein expression in the human hypothalamus as well as its correlation with body weight. Methods: Sections of hypothalamus and adjacent cholinergic basal forebrain nuclei, including the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and the diagonal band of Broca (DBB), from 25 autopsy cases (17 males, 8 females; 8 lean, 9 overweight, 8 obese) were examined using immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence labeling. Results: Prominent NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoexpression was detected in supraoptic, paraventricular, and infundibular nuclei, lateral hypothalamic area (LHA)/perifornical region, and NBM/DBB. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was found to extensively colocalize with (a) oxytocin and vasopressin in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, (b) melanin-concentrating hormone in the LHA, and (c) cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in infundibular and paraventricular nuclei and LHA. Interestingly, in the LHA, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein expression was significantly decreased in obese, compared with lean (p < 0.01) and overweight (p < 0.05) subjects. Conclusions: The findings of the present study are suggestive of a potential role for NUCB2/nesfatin-1 as an integral regulator of food intake and energy homeostasis in the human hypothalamus. In the LHA, an appetite- and reward-related brain area, reduced NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoexpression may contribute to dysregulation of homeostatic and/or hedonic feeding behavior and obesity. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 localization in NBM/DBB might imply its participation in the neuronal circuitry controlling cognitive influences on food intake and give impetus towards unraveling additional biological actions of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in human neuronal networks.
Potential Influences of Gut Microbiota on the Formation of Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Shikata Fumiaki , Shimada Kenji , Sato Hiroki , Ikedo Taichi , Kuwabara Atsushi , Furukawa Hajime , Korai Masaaki , Kotoda Masakazu , Yokosuka Kimihiko , Makino Hiroshi , Ziegler Emma A. , Kudo Daisuke , Lawton Michael T. , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: January 2019

Gut microbiota modulates metabolic and immunoregulatory axes and contributes to the pathophysiology of diseases with inflammatory components, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic stroke. Inflammation is emerging as a critical player in the pathophysiology of an intracranial aneurysm. Therefore, we hypothesized that the gut microbiota affects aneurysm formation by modulating inflammation. We induced intracranial aneurysms in mice by combining systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. Depletion of the gut microbiota was achieved via an oral antibiotic cocktail of vancomycin, metronidazole, ampicillin, and neomycin. Antibiotics were given 3 weeks before aneurysm induction and either continued until the end of the experiment or stopped 1 day before aneurysm induction. We also assessed the effects of the gut microbiota depletion on macrophage infiltration and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics reduced the incidence when antibiotics were started 3 weeks before aneurysm induction and continued until the end of the experiment (83% versus 6%,
P
<0.001). Even when antibiotics were stopped 1 day before aneurysm induction, the gut microbiota depletion significantly reduced the incidence of aneurysms (86% versus 28%,
P
<0.05). Both macrophage infiltration and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines were reduced with gut microbiota depletion. These findings suggest that the gut microbiota contributes to the pathophysiology of aneurysms by modulating inflammation. Human studies are needed to determine the exact contribution of the gut microbiota to the pathophysiology of aneurysm formation and disease course in humans.
Evidence for a Causal Role of the
SH2B3
-β
2
M Axis in Blood Pressure Regulation
Authors: Keefe Joshua A. , Hwang Shih-Jen , Huan Tianxiao , Mendelson Michael , Yao Chen , Courchesne Paul , Saleh Mohamed A. , Madhur Meena S. , Levy Daniel
Published: January 2019

Genetic variants at
SH2B3
are associated with blood pressure and circulating β
2
M (β-2 microglobulin), a well-characterized kidney filtration biomarker. We hypothesize that circulating β
2
M is an independent risk predictor of hypertension and may causally contribute to its development. The study sample consisted of 7 065 Framingham Heart Study participants with measurements of plasma β
2
M. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the association of β
2
M with prevalent and new-onset hypertension. There were 2 145 (30%) cases of prevalent hypertension at baseline and 886 (21%) cases of incident hypertension during 6 years of follow-up. A 1-SD increase in baseline plasma β
2
M was associated with a greater risk of prevalent (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.05–1.24) and new-onset (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.32) hypertension. Individuals within the top β
2
M quartile had a greater risk than the bottom quartile for prevalent (odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.05−1.57) and new-onset (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.20–2.11) hypertension. These associations remained essentially unchanged in analyses restricted to participants free of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease. Mendelian randomization demonstrated that lower
SH2B3
expression is causal for increased circulating β
2
M levels, and in a hypertensive mouse model, knockout of
Sh2b3
increased
β

2

M
gene expression. In a community-based study of healthy individuals, higher plasma β
2
M levels are associated with increased risk of prevalent and incident hypertension independent of chronic kidney disease status. Overlapping genetic signals for hypertension and β
2
M, in conjunction with mouse knockout experiments, suggest that the
SH2B3
-β
2
M axis plays a causal role in hypertension.
Taxonomic Studies on Zingiberaceae of Myanmar I: A new species of Curcuma (Subgenus Ecomatae) from Myanmar
Authors: TANAKA NOBUYUKI , AUNG MU MU
Published: January 2019

In the course of taxonomic studies on Zingiberaceae in Myanmar, a new species of Curcuma assignable to subgenus Ecomatae was discovered. It is described and illustrated as Curcuma kayahensis, new to science from Kayah State, southeastern Myanmar. It is morphologically most similar to C. rhomba in having the orange-red and lateral staminodes with a rhombic shape, but differs in having rhizomes yellow inside, densely pubescent lower surface of lamina, inflorescence position central, bracts light green with red veins, flowers with a longer gently curved anther.
Peucedanum shanianum, a new replaced name for P. rubricaule R.H. Shan & M.L. Sheh (Apiaceae)
Authors: CHEN FENGLIN , DENG YUNFEI
Published: January 2019

Peucedanum Linnaeus (1753: 245) is a complex genus with 100–120 species in the subfamily Apioideae of the family Apiaceae (Pimenov & Leonov 1993; Spalik et al. 2004; Sheh & Watson 2005). The genus is distributed in Eurasia and Africa and is characterised by ﬂattened fruits with more or less developed lateral wings (Spalik et al. 2004). Fourty species, with 33 endemics, are recorded in China (Sheh & Watson 2005; Liu 2016).
Mollitrichosiphum Suenaga from China (Hemiptera: Aphididae), with the description of one new species
Authors: ZHANG DONG , QIAO GEXIA
Published: January 2019

The genus Mollitrichosiphum Suenaga from China is reviewed, the diagnostic features of the genus are given, and a key to the known Chinese species is given. Eutrichosiphum alnisuctum Zhang is a new junior synonym of Mollitrichosiphum nandii Basu. Mollitrichosiphum nigrum sp. nov. is described from Meliosma, Ailanthus and Elaeagnus in Fujian and Guangxi, China. Mollitrichosiphum (Metatrichosiphon) rhusae Ghosh is recorded for the first time from China. Some hitherto unknown morphs of Mollitrichosiphum are described. New data on distributions and host plants are reported for the genus. The specimens studied are deposited in National Zoological Museum of China, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum, London.
Redescription of the alpheid shrimp Betaeus levifrons Vinogradov, 1950 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Alpheidae) from Peter the Great Bay, Russian coast of the Sea of Japan
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: January 2019

The originally poorly described alpheid shrimp Betaeus levifrons Vinogradov, 1950 is redescribed based on several adult specimens collected in the Vostok Bay (part of Peter the Great Bay) situated near Nakhodka City, about 90 km southwest from the type locality of the species, the Zolotoi Rog Bay, the Sea of Japan. The specimens were collected with the yabby pump from burrows on sandy-gravel bottom and appears to be associated with the burrowing mud-shrimps Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) and U. issaeffi (Balss, 1914) (Upogebiidae).
A new seahorse (Teleostei: Syngnathidae: Hippocampus) from south-western Australia
Authors: FOSTER RALPH , GOMON MARTIN F.
Published: January 2019

A new species of syngnathid fish, Hippocampus paradoxus sp. nov., from mid-continental shelf waters of south-western Australia is described from the only known specimen. It can be distinguished from all congeners, including the very similar H. minotaur Gomon 1997, by the following features: the lack of a dorsal fin, a series of fleshy, fin-like lobes along the dorsal midline of the trunk and tail and an extremely robust cleithrum and prominent first nuchal plate. In addition to the traditional methods of syngnathid taxonomists, X-ray microtomography (CT scanning) was employed and demonstrated to be a valuable research tool for examining seahorse species that are problematic due to reduced ossification and small size. CT scanning is more capable of imaging poorly ossified and soft tissue regions than traditional radiography and provides a detailed three dimensional view of salient features.
Review and key to Nearctic Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), with special reference to species attacking leaf mining tenthredinid sawflies in Betula Linnaeus (Betulaceae)
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY V. , SOPER ANNA , VAN DRIESCHE ROY G.
Published: January 2019

All Holarctic members of the genus Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were reviewed. Five species are described as new: L. syringe Reshchikov sp. nov., L. barroni Reshchikov sp. nov., L. fissus Reshchikov sp. nov., L. thomsoni Reshchikov sp. nov., and L. soperi Reshchikov sp. nov. The last two species were reared from Profenusa thomsoni (Konow, 1886), an invasive European birch leafmining sawfly found in North America. Lathrolestes nasoni Davis, 1897 is synonymized with L. caudatus (Thomson, 1883); L. scutellatus (Ashmead, 1890) stat. rev. is reestablished as a valid species.
Two new species of Rhopalopsole vietnamica group (Plecoptera: Leuctridae: Rhopalopsole) from China
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: January 2019

The following two species from Hainan and Ningxia, China are described as new to science: Rhopalopsole hainana sp. n. and R. ningxiana sp. n., respectively. Their relationship to similar species is discussed.
Two new species of the “kuhlii” complex of the genus Limnonectes from Thailand (Anura: Dicroglossidae)
Authors: MATSUI MASAFUMI , PANHA SOMSAK , KHONSUE WICHASE , KURAISHI NORIHIRO
Published: January 2019

Phylogenetic relationships inferred from sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, tRNA val , and 16S rRNA genes and nuclear POMC and RAG-1 genes revealed that fanged frogs from Thailand usually associated with Limnonectes kuhlii are monophyletic and are collectively sister to the clade containing three Chinese and Japanese species. Within the Thai clade, the northern lineage, the southern lineage, and a population originally assigned to L. megastomias show unresolved relationships with each other, but are separated by genetic distances that correspond to values found among species of the Chinese-Japanese clade. Hybridization and past gene introgression are not detected among these three lineages of fanged frogs from Thailand. Adult specimens of the northern and southern lineages are phenotypically similar to each other, but can be separated by the combination of several morphometric characters. From the genetic and morphological evidence, they are considered to represent taxonomically different species. We therefore describe the northern lineage as L. taylori sp. nov. and the southern lineage as L. jarujini sp. nov. Taxonomic identity of the Loei population of L. megastomias requires future morphological investigation. The distribution pattern of fanged frogs within Thailand is discussed and the significance of the Three Pagodas Fault Zone is noted.
The tadpole of Melanophryniscus atroluteus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1902) (Anura: Bufonidae) from Argentina and Uruguay
Authors: BALDO DIEGO , MANEYRO RAÚL , LAUFER GABRIEL
Published: January 2019

Melanophryniscus atroluteus (Miranda-Ribeiro) is a poorly known species of the M. stelzneri species group; it inhabits open areas of north-eastern Argentina, southern Brazil, south-eastern Paraguay, and northern Uruguay. In this correspondence we describe the tadpole external morphology of this species for the first time.
Three new species of Psilorhynchus from the Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae)
Authors: CONWAY KEVIN W. , BRITZ RALF
Published: January 2019

Psilorhynchus brachyrhynchus, new species, from the upper Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, northern Myanmar, is distinguished based on a combination of characters, including a short snout (43–48% HL), scale-less ventral surface between paired fins, and features of dorsal and caudal-fin pigmentation. Psilorhynchus piperatus, new species, from the eastern slopes of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, lower Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar, is distinguished based on its unique caudal-fin pigmentation. Psilorhynchus gokkyi, new species, also from the eastern slopes of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, lower Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar, is distinguished based on unique shape of its snout, which exhibits a deep notch at the level of the ethmoid region.
Redescription of Thouarella brucei Thomson and Ritchie, 1906 (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Primnoidae) and description of two new Antarctic primnoid species
Authors: ZAPATA-GUARDIOLA REBECA , LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ PABLO J.
Published: January 2019

Thouarella brucei Thomson and Ritchie, 1906 is redescribed from the type material present in the Museum of Natural History, London, the Zoological Museum of Amsterdam and the National Museum of Scotland. A lectotype and remaining paralectotypes are designated from the material from the latter. We also add a new record from west South Georgia Island. Material collected on Burdwood Bank, during the Brategg expedition and previously identified as T. brucei by Broch is here considered as a new species in the recently described genus Digitogorgia Zapata-Guardiola and López-González, 2010; Digitogorgia brochi sp. nov. Finally, a new species is added to the monotypic genus Tokoprymno Bayer, 1996, Tokoprymno anatis sp. nov., based on material collected north east of Elephant Island, during the Polarstern cruise ANT XIX/3. The study of these new taxa allows us to describe a wider variation in polyp scale morphology and a wider distribution in Southern Ocean waters, both geographical and bathymetrical. The new species are also compared with their respective congeners.
A new species of Ischnocnema from highlands of the Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil (Terrarana, Brachycephalidae)
Authors: MARTINS ITAMAR A. , HADDAD CÉLIO F. B.
Published: January 2019

A new species of Ischnocnema is described from Serra da Mantiqueira, Municipality of Campos do Jordão, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species is a member of the Ischnocnema lactea Species Series. The new species differs from other species in the Ischnocnema lactea Species Series by its small size, snout sub-elliptical in dorsal view and acuminate-rounded in lateral view, and advertisement call. Descriptions of the dorsal coloration, advertisement call, and natural history are presented.
A new species of the genus Xantharia from China (Araneae: Clubionidae)
Authors: ZHANG FENG , ZHANG CHAO , FU JIANYING
Published: January 2019

The spider genus Xantharia Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 was established by Deeleman-Reinhold (2001), who placed it in the subfamily Systariinae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001, Clubionidae. However, Platnick (2010) lists Xantharia in the Miturgidae. We here follow the designation of Deeleman-Reinhold (2001), and list Xantharia in the Clubionidae based on a number of somatic and genital characters, such as a cylindrical body and non-striped carapace, male palpal bulb without median apophysis, vulva with insemination ducts ending in a T-junction between spemathecae and bursae. At present only two species, the type species Xantharia floreni Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 (from North Borneo), and X. murphyi Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 (from Western Sumatra), have been described in the genus Xantharia (Platnick 2010).
Fifteen new Trichoptera (Insecta) species from Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: OLÁH JÁNOS , JOHANSON KJELL ARNE
Published: January 2019

The following new species are described from the west coast of Sumatra (Indonesia): Dipseudopsis gabiana and Pseudoneureclipsis complexa (Dipseudopsidae); Psychomyia selatana and Tinodes kerinciana (Psychomyiidae); Nyctiophylax anryutah, N. kupirah, and N. tapan (Polycentropodidae); Diplectrona dimagaha, D. tiguna, Hydropsyche pulakita, and Cheumatopsyche urhpirdana (Hydropsychidae); and Oecetis barisan, Setodes pantangulil, S. trikuthia, and S. wirhal (Leptoceridae). In addition, the following species are recorded from Sumatra for the first time: Chimarra briseis Malicky (Philopotamidae); Ecnomus hendersoni Mosely (Ecnomidae); Diplectrona dulitensis Kimmins and Hydropsyche butes Malicky & Chantaramongkol (Hydropsychidae); and Ganonema ochraceellum (McLachlan) (Calamoceratidae). Fourteen more species are recorded, but are previously known from Sumatra.
Macromyzus Takahashi (Hemiptera, Aphididae), a generic account, description of one new species, and keys to species
Authors: SU XIAO-MEI , QIAO GE-XIA
Published: January 2019

The aphid genus Macromyzus Takahashi is reviewed, and keys to known species provided. Macromyzus spinosus sp. nov. is described from Plagiogyria japonica in Hunan, China. Macromyzus (Anthracosiphoniella) maculatus (Basu) is recorded for the first time in China. The type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological Museum of China, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Nomenclatural changes within West Indian Acanthocinini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)
Authors: MICHELI CHARYN J.
Published: January 2019

The genus Styloleptus Dillon, 1956 belongs in the Acanthocinini, one of the largest tribes within the subfamily Lamiinae. This tribe has been plagued by a myriad of taxonomic problems due to the cryptic and extremely variable morphology. There are currently 22 species within the genus Styloleptus and they are mainly restricted to the West Indies (Monné & Bezark, 2010) with all of them occurring there except one that is found only in Central America (Belize). Two other species reach the US mainland. One of them, S. biustus LeConte, 1852, is the type-species.
A new taxonomic placement for Scutobates Cook, 1966, with the description of a new species from French Guiana (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hygrobatidae)
Authors: SMIT HARRY , CLAVIER SIMON
Published: January 2019

The water mite taxon Scutobates Cook, 1966 was originally described from Liberia, and treated by Cook (1966) as a subgenus of Hygrobates Koch, 1837. One of the most striking characters of Scutobates is the absence of a dorsal furrow, a ring or partial ring of unsclerotised cuticle between the dorsal plate or closely fitting platelets and the ventral shield. In the Hygrobatidae, secondary sclerotization, where the integument of the idiosoma other than the coxae, gnathosoma, genital field and glandularia bases, hardens to form sometimes extensive and merging plates can be extensive. For example, in the genus Thoracohygrobates Lundblad, 1936 the secondary sclerotization extends from the venter laterally onto the dorsum leaving a strip of membranous integument, but there is no dorsal plate development and therefore no dorsal furrow (Cook 1974). In Scutobates, the dorsum is completely sclerotized and seamlessly merges with the venter. The absence of a dorsal furrow on a completely sclerotized watermite is very rare.
Wave Climate from Spectra and Its Connections with Local and Remote Wind Climate
Authors: Jiang Haoyu , Mu Lin
Published: January 2019

Wind-generated waves can propagate over large distances. Therefore, wave spectra from a fixed point can record information about air–sea interactions in distant areas. In this study, the spectral wave climate for a point in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean is computed. Several well-defined wave climate systems are observed in the mean wave spectrum. Significant seasonal cycling, long-term trends, and correlations with the Southern Oscillation, the Arctic Oscillation, and the Antarctic Oscillation are observed in the local wave spectra, showing abundant climatic information. Projections of wind vectors on the directions pointing to the target location are used to connect the spectral wave climate and basin-scale wind climate, because significant correlations are observed between the wave spectra and the wind projections of both local and remote wind systems. The origins of all the identified wave climate systems, including the westerlies and the trade winds in both hemispheres, are clearly shown in wind projection maps. Some of these origins are thousands of kilometers away from the target point, demonstrating the validity of this connection. Comparisons are made between wave spectra and the corresponding local and remote wind fields with respect to seasonal and interannual variability and long-term trends. The results show that each frequency and direction of ocean wave spectra at a certain location can be approximately linked to the wind field for a geographical area, implying that it is feasible to reconstruct spectral wave climates from observational wind field data and monitor wind climates from observational wave spectra geographically far away.
Primary Sclerosing Fibroinflammatory Pseudotumor of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Vivero Richard J. , Doshi Pooja H. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Gomez-Fernandez Carmen , Casiano Roy R.
Published: January 2019

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a well known but poorly understood pathologic entity. It is associated with an unusual growth of fibrotic tissue admixed with varying amounts of inflammation that displaces and compresses normal anatomic structures, resulting in dysfunction. Pseudotumors have been found in multiple locations—the orbit in particular—but to the best of our knowledge, none has previously been reported as an isolated sinus lesion. We describe a case of primary sclerosing fibroinflammatory pseudotumor of the maxillary sinus that manifested as recurrent unilateral maxillary sinusitis in a 47-year-old woman. The patient was managed with surgery and oral steroids with full resolution of her symptoms. We also review the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of fibroinflammatory pseudotumors within the context of the current literature.
Challenges in advancing the laser fiber through the great saphenous vein during endovenous ablation and strategies to overcome them
Authors: Gornati Vitor C , Utsunomia Karen , Labropoulos Nicos
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To determine the incidence of possible obstacles and patients’ characteristics when performing endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and suggestions to improve the ability to overcome them.

Method

A prospective study with 215 limbs treated with EVLT. A sequence of maneuvers was performed to move the fiber forward when difficulty was found and if unsuccessful another entry site was punctured.

Results

In 29 of 215 (13.48%) limbs, resistance was encountered while navigating the fiber; 16 (55.17%) solved with lower limb extension; 13 (44.82%) needed ultrasound guided maneuvers; five (17.24%) needed a saline flush and in three patients (10.34%) another entry site was necessary. In 214 of 215 cases (99.53%), ablation was accomplished and no complications were observed.

Conclusions

Both obstruction and higher patients' BMI are the main obstacles during endovenous laser ablation and usually needs additional maneuvers to accomplish the procedure in our study and the use of tricks to overcome these issues is feasible.
Noise reduction and image quality in ultra-high resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone using advanced modeled iterative reconstruction
Authors: Hempel Johann-Martin , Niklas Bongers Malte , Braun Katharina , Ernemann Ulrike , Bier Georg
Published: January 2019

Background

The novel advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) algorithm in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone has not yet been systematically evaluated.

Purpose

To assess the potential of ADMIRE in temporal bone UHR CT.

Material and Methods

Forty-four patients who underwent UHR CT of the temporal bone using z-axis UHR protocol were retrospectively selected for analysis. Images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and ADMIRE with multiple strength levels. Regions of interest were drawn in the posterior fossa and petrous bone. The average density (in Hounsfield units [HU]) and the image noise (standard deviation of density values) were extracted. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were then calculated. Additionally, a subjective qualitative analysis was performed using a five-point Likert scale. The potential dose reduction was extrapolated from objective analysis and confirmed in an additional phantom study.

Results

The image noise was significantly lower, and the SNR and CNR were significantly higher in ADMIRE reconstructions levels A2–A5 than in FBP ( P < 0.001, respectively). Subjective image quality was significantly higher in ADMIRE levels A2–A5 than in FBP ( P < 0.001) and it was rated best in ADMIRE level A3. Confirmed by the results from the phantom study, a dose reduction of at least 40% was feasible while maintaining image quality.

Conclusions

The ADMIRE reconstruction algorithm significantly improves image quality and reduces noise on temporal bone UHR CT scans. Thus, it allows for substantial dose reduction.
Mucoactive Agents in the Therapy of Upper Respiratory Airways Infections: Fair to Describe Them Just as Mucoactive?
Authors: Scaglione Francesco , Petrini Orlando
Published: January 2019

Background:

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections are common conditions for which medical advice is sought, and their management relies on the use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Ambroxol, bromhexine, carbocysteine, erdosteine, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and sobrerol are mucoactive agents for which clinical trials have been conducted, have been awarded well-established status by regulatory authorities, and are available as OTC or prescription products.

Objective:

To briefly review the evidence-based efficacy and safety of these substances in the therapy of upper respiratory airways infections.

Methods:

We conducted searches in MEDLINE and other databases for clinical trials and reviews done on the efficacy and safety of ambroxol, bromhexine, carbocysteine, erdosteine, NAC, and sobrerol.

Results:

Clinical trials have shown that these mucolytics have an important place in the relief of cough symptoms by easing the elimination of mucus. All drugs have shown comparable efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of productive cough, with some shared characteristics and some specific features.

Conclusions and relevance:

All mucolytics reviewed have a good safety profile, although some precautions should be taken when using ambroxol and bromhexine, and the use of NAC and carbocysteine should be monitored in special patient groups. Overall, however, the available evidence from randomised, controlled, and observational trials, as well as pragmatic, real-life experience, suggests that these products are useful in the therapy of upper respiratory airways infections, including bronchitis, sinusitis, and rhinosinusitis.
The Cognitive/Noncognitive Debate in Emotion Theory: A Corrective From Spinoza
Authors: England Renee
Published: January 2019

An intractable problem that characterizes the contemporary philosophical discussion of emotion is whether emotions are fundamentally cognitive or noncognitive. In this article, I will establish that this problem arises from the influence of an underlying philosophical anthropology that entails a mind/body “split” ultimately inherited from Cartesianism, and further show that it can be fruitfully addressed by adopting a contemporary construal of the self and emotions derived from the philosophy of a key critic of Descartes’ dualism, Spinoza.
Incidence and outcome of peri-procedural cardiogenic shock: results from the international Euro Heart Survey PCI registry
Authors: Weipert Kay F , Bauer Timm , Nef Holger M , Hochadel Matthias , Weidinger Franz , Gitt Anselm K , Zeymer Uwe , Hamm Christian W
Published: January 2019

Background:

There is a large body of literature on acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. However, very little is known about patients who are initially haemodynamically stable and develop cardiogenic shock during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

A total of 47,407 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the PCI Registry of the Euro Heart Survey Programme. We analysed interventions with peri-procedural complications that were classified as ‘shock induced by procedure’ on the case report form. Clinical and procedural characteristics as well as hospital outcomes of haemodynamically stable patients who developed cardiogenic shock during percutaneous coronary intervention were evaluated. Patients with haemodynamic instability at presentation prior to intervention were excluded.

Results:

A total of 68 patients (0.2%) developed cardiogenic shock as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. The majority of cases comprised acute coronary syndrome (60.3%) with complex lesions (93.1%). Most patients had multi-vessel disease (82.1%) and an ejection fraction less than 40% (58.1%). In the multivariate analysis, left main disease (odds ratio (OR) 9.51), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR 5.31) and multi-vessel disease without left main involvement (OR 3.32) were the strongest independent predictors of peri-procedural cardiogenic shock. Among these patients procedural success was low (66.1%) and in-hospital mortality was very high (39.7%).

Conclusions:

In this real-world registry the rate of haemodynamically stable patients who developed cardiogenic shock during percutaneous coronary intervention was very low. Patients at a priori high risk were more likely to be affected by this complication. The in-hospital mortality rate of these patients was very high.
Shakespeare in Love: A Fictional Transliteration of the Grammar of Heterosexual Mating
Authors: Lucchi Basili Lorenza , Sacco Pier Luigi
Published: January 2019

This article explores the structure of the male–female interaction in the human mating process from the perspective of the so-called Tie-Up Theory, applying it to the analysis of a cinematic fictional narrative, namely the Shakespeare in love movie. We look at romantic fictional narratives as possible simulations with a social cognition valence, and show that, in the case study under exam, the actual structure of the interaction between the two main characters reflects the basic steps of a successful mating process. In view of this, the fact that the long-term couple is not formed at the end of the story neither jeopardizes its social cognition valence, nor the audience’s need and expectation of an emotional climax, as what makes the difference in terms of social cognition is not the story outcome, but the process that leads to it. Our research makes a case for a renewed interest toward romantic fictional comedies as an interesting source of insight into real mating-related interactions, provided that such narratives are socially validated in terms of audience response and intergenerational transmission.
Passive seismic event estimation using multiscattering waveform inversion
Authors: Song Chao , Wu Zedong , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: January 2019

Passive seismic monitoring has become an effective method to understand underground processes. Time-reversal-based methods are often used to locate passive seismic events directly. However, these kinds of methods are strongly dependent on the accuracy of the velocity model. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has been used on passive seismic data to invert the velocity model and source image, simultaneously. However, waveform inversion of passive seismic data uses mainly the transmission energy, which results in poor illumination and low resolution. We developed a waveform inversion using multiscattered energy for passive seismic to extract more information from the data than conventional FWI. Using transmission wavepath information from single- and double-scattering, computed from a predicted scatterer field acting as secondary sources, our method provides better illumination of the velocity model than conventional FWI. Using a new objective function, we optimized the source image and velocity model, including multiscattered energy, simultaneously. Because we conducted our method in the frequency domain with a complex source function including spatial and wavelet information, we mitigate the uncertainties of the source wavelet and source origin time. Inversion results from the Marmousi model indicate that by taking advantage of multiscattered energy and starting from a reasonably acceptable frequency (a single source at 3 Hz and multiple sources at 5 Hz), our method yields better inverted velocity models and source images compared with conventional FWI.
Stoneley wave attenuation and dispersion and the dynamic permeability correction
Authors: Zhang Xiumei , Müller Tobias M.
Published: January 2019

Stoneley waves induce fluid pressure gradients in a permeable formation surrounding the borehole. These gradients are equilibrated through pressure diffusion, that is to say, slow P-waves in the context of Biot’s poroelasticity theory. Because slow P-waves are strongly sensitive to the formation permeability, the Stoneley-slow P-wave interaction can be used to retrieve the formation permeability from the attenuation and dispersion of Stoneley waves. The accuracy of this established technique in high-permeability formations deteriorates when slow P-waves are not pure diffusion waves; hence, the permeability dependence is more complicated. This effect on Stoneley waves is captured by applying the Johnson-Koplik-Dashen dynamic permeability model. Their model depends on a viscous relaxation length. However, in the estimation of formation permeability from Stoneley waves, this parameter is typically not measured but is estimated from an empirical equation, wherein material properties and microstructural descriptors are lumped together. When the so-calculated relaxation length is erroneous, the inverted formation permeability from the Stoneley wave is not correct either. To overcome this limitation and to provide a versatile alternative, the dynamic permeability problem is reformulated within the viscosity-extended Biot framework. Its physical basis is the conversion scattering in random media from slow P- to slow S-waves. The correlation length of this so-called stochastic dynamic permeability model can be derived from pore-scale images, and it also captures the effect of pore interface roughness. This model is then combined with the simplified Biot-Rosenbaum model to predict Stoneley wave attenuation and dispersion. We have applied this hybrid model to interpret laboratory measurements for which the previously suggested choice of the viscous relaxation length does not provide an accurate prediction. The results indicate that the hybrid model can provide another approach to model Stoneley wave attenuation and dispersion across the entire frequency range.
Sources of stress in the practice of psychiatry: perspective from the Arab world
Authors: Abdul-Al Rudwan
Published: January 2019

The main challenges faced by psychiatrists in the Arab world are stigma, shortage of resources, role of the family and effects of conflicts and migration. Psychiatrists practising in this region have to adapt to these challenges and use creative methods to provide a good service to their patients.

A woman in her mid-20s presented to a private psychiatric out-patient clinic with a longstanding obsessive–compulsive disorder of contamination. She had fled her home country with her family because of an ongoing armed conflict. They were under temporary ‘visitor’ visas and the possibility of their stay not being renewed created immense anxiety. The patient was prone to bouts of anger on a regular basis, causing her to shout at her mother and brother. Her mother was concerned that the neighbours might complain, which might get the family into trouble with the police. The family were eager to know if the patient's condition was likely to improve with medication. They also asked if she could be admitted to an in-patient unit for treatment. Unfortunately, the psychiatric in-patient unit was not suitable for her needs and she could not go back to her home country because of safety concerns. The cost of treatment at a private clinic was expensive for the family. She was not eligible for state-funded healthcare.

The psychiatrist had to manage a complex situation created by stigma, effects of war and migration, lack of appropriate resources and the role of family. He maintained a trusting relationship with the patient and made sure no information was given to her family without her consent. Regular contact with the family was maintained to increase awareness about the nature of the patient's symptoms and to support the family in coping with the difficulties mentioned above.
Impact of Peer Review on Use of Hypofractionated Regimens for Early-Stage Breast Cancer for Patients at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center and Its Community-Based Affiliates
Authors: Ganju Rohit G. , TenNapel Mindi , Chen Allen M. , Mitchell Melissa
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE:

Data have demonstrated that hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) and conventionally fractionated radiation therapy regimens are equivalent with respect to outcomes. Efforts to increase HFRT use have had mixed success. We implemented a prospective peer review chart rounds integrating all practice sites and reviewed the use of HFRT in an attempt to identify potential predictors of use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients treated with whole-breast radiation therapy within our cancer care network from January 2016 to June 2017 were evaluated. Radiation courses with a dose per fraction of greater than 2 Gy were considered HFRT, whereas those with a dose per fraction of less than or equal to 2 Gy were considered as conventionally fractionated radiation therapy. Patient, provider, and tumor characteristics were categorized by use of HFRT and compared between groups using a χ2 test or two-tailed t test.

RESULTS:

A total of 349 consecutive patients were identified. All 120 patients treated at the main academic site received HFRT. There was significant variation in use of HFRT among community-based providers (28% to 100%; P < .001). There was increased use of HFRT after implementation of institution-wide prospective peer review (66% v 81% before and after implementation, respectively; P = .001). Age, tumor grade, chemotherapy receipt, surgeon type (academic v community), and treatment after implementation of peer review all correlated with HFRT use. On multivariable analysis, treatment after implementation of peer review ( P < .001) remained a significant predictor of HFRT use, as did age ( P = .005), tumor grade ( P = .013), and surgeon type ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

Significant variation persists in the use of HFRT among providers. Increased awareness and oversight through prospective peer review may be useful in improving compliance to HFRT. Expanding these efforts to include education of referring surgeons may be helpful.
Neuronal migration in the CNS during development and disease: insights from in vivo and in vitro models
Authors: Buchsbaum Isabel Yasmin , Cappello Silvia
Published: January 2019

Neuronal migration is a fundamental process that governs embryonic brain development. As such, mutations that affect essential neuronal migration processes lead to severe brain malformations, which can cause complex and heterogeneous developmental and neuronal migration disorders. Our fragmented knowledge about the aetiology of these disorders raises numerous issues. However, many of these can now be addressed through studies of in vivo and in vitro models that attempt to recapitulate human-specific mechanisms of cortical development. In this Review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these model systems and suggest that a complementary approach, using combinations of in vivo and in vitro models, will broaden our knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie defective neuronal positioning in the human cerebral cortex.
The Role of Jumps and Options in the Risk Premia of Interest Rates
Authors: Lund Bruno
Published: January 2019

There is evidence that jumps double the explanatory power of Campbell and Shiller (1991) excess bond returns’ regressions (Wright and Zhou, 2009), and options bring information about bond risk premia beyond that spanned by the yield curve (Joslin, 2007). In this paper I incorporate these features in a Gaussian Affine Term Structure Model (ATSM) in order to assess two questions: (1) what are the implications of incorporating jumps in an ATSM for option pricing, and (2) how jumps and options affect the bond risk-premia dynamics.The main findings are: (1) jump risk-premia is negative in a scenario of decreasing interest rates, and has a significant average magnitude of 1% to 2%, which means that, it explains 10% to 20% of the level of the yields; (2) the Gaussian model (A30) and the Gaussian model with constant intensity jumps (A30J) are the ones that best fit the option prices; and (3) the Gaussian model with constant intensity jumps estimated jointly with options (A30oJ) is the one that best identifies the risk premium.
Reproductive Function of Men, Working in Harmful Labor Conditions
Authors: Ретнев В. , Retnev V.
Published: January 2019

Working men’ reproductive function suffers from an adverse effect of harmful production factors — physical, chemical and others. That’s why in this paper have been proposed additional medico-organizational measures such as expansion of the contingent of workers passing through periodic medical examinations, improvement of their quality, and increasing of working man’s marital and social status.
Predictive Assessment of Fire Danger Zones at Emergency Events on Oil and Gas Condensate Field
Authors: Дроздова Татьяна , Drozdova Tatyana , Суковатиков Р. , Sukovatikov R.
Published: January 2019

The aim of the work is to estimate the distribution zones of gas-air clouds with fire-dangerous concentrations during accidents at the booster pump station of the oil and gas condensate field. Methods. Simulation of emergency situations was performed in case of equipment leakage using the TOXI + Risk software package. The analysis of emergency events associated with the release of combustible substances during the depressurization of equipment (separator) has shown the probability of occurrence and spread of combustible gas-air clouds in the environment with concentrations corresponding to the concentration limits of ignition creating the danger of fires.