bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of genus Repipta Stål 1859 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) with new species and distribution data
Authors: MARTIN-PARK ABDIEL , DELFÍN-GONZÁLEZ HUGO , DEL CARMEN COSCARÓN MARÍA
Published: April 2019

A revision was made of Repipta Stål, mostly a Neotropical genus with some species in the Neotropics and the Nearctic. Thirteen known species are redescribed: R. annulipes Barber, R. antica Stål, R. coccinea (Herrich-Schaeffer), R. flavicans (Amyot & Serville), R. fuscospinosa Stål, R. fuscipes Stål, R. lepidula Stål, R. mucosa Champion, R. nigronotata Stål, R. obscuripes Stål, R. sexdens (Fabricius), R. spinosa (Fabricius), and R. taurus (Fabricius). Twelve new species are described and illustrated, including data on male and female genitalia, new distributional records, and key to the species.
A new species of Spurostigma Eertmoed (Psocodea:’Psocoptera’: Spurostigmatidae) from Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA
Published: April 2019

A new species of Spurostigma, the first recorded in Brazil, is here described and illustrated. It differs from all the speciesin the genus, in which the male is known, in wing venation and in phallosome structure. It is the thirteenth known species of Spurostigma and the fourth species known from South America.
Swedish Plectida (Nematoda). Part 3. The genus Loveninema gen. n.
Authors: HOLOVACHOV OLEKSANDR , BOSTRÖM SVEN
Published: April 2019

A new genus Loveninema gen. n., with two new species L. tubulosa gen. n., sp. n. and L. unicornis gen. n., sp. n. is de-scribed from bottom sediments collected in Skagerrak off the west coast of Sweden. Loveninema gen. n. is unique amongother genera of Plectida by possessing a midventral labial projection located on the ventral edge of the oral opening andprotruding anteriorly. Other diagnostic characters include: sclerotised labial framework in the shape of a conoid ring withthree projections extending posteriorly: one mid-dorsal, one left-subventral and one right-subventral; papilliform outer la-bial and cephalic sensilla; amphidial fovea a transverse slit located anterior to cephalic sensilla bases; excretory pore open-ing on the ventral side of the labial region; pharynx uniformly muscular, cylindrical; female reproductive systemdidelphic, amphidelphic; male reproductive system monorchic, with reflexed testis; spicules present; gubernaculum pres-ent or absent; either alveolar or tubular supplements present in males, absent in females; caudal glands and spinneret pres-ent. L. tubulosa gen. n., sp. n. is particularly characterised by the 0.66–1.12 mm long body; short midventral labialprojection; straight vagina without sclerotisations; male without alveolar and with 12–15 tubular supplements, 15.0–21.5µm long spicules, and with gubernaculum. L. unicornis gen. n., sp. n. is particularly characterised by the 0.65–0.98 mmlong body; long midventral labial projection; straight vagina without sclerotisations; male with up to 20 alveolar and without tubular supplements, 11.5–14.0 µm long spicules, and without gubernaculum.
Genetic and morphological evidence on the species validity of Gekko melli Vogt, 1922 with notes on its diagnosis and range extension (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
Authors: YANG JIAN-HUAN , WANG YING-YONG , ZHANG TIAN-DU , SUN YAN-JUN , LIN SHI-SHI
Published: April 2019

Mell’s gecko Gekko melli Vogt, 1922, a poorly known gecko species in China, had been previously treated as synonym ofGekko subpalmatus for a rather long time. It was recently resurrected as a valid species on the basis of morphological com-parisons of type specimens with the latter species. In this study, we confirmed the specific validity of G. melli based on aset of specimens we collected from China, as well as on the basis of molecular genetic analysis. We also provide a more complete morphological description and diagnosis of G. melli.
Resolving a mammal mystery: the identity of Paracoelops megalotis (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)
Authors: THONG VU DINH , DIETZ CHRISTIAN , DENZINGER ANNETTE , BATES PAUL J. J. , PUECHMAILLE SEBASTIEN J. , CALLOU CÉCILE , SCHNITZLER HANS-ULRICH
Published: April 2019

Paracoelops has been regarded as monotypic and an endemic bat genus of Vietnam. In the original description of 1947,P. megalotis was characterised by its exceptionally large ears and well developed interfemoral membrane without a tail.The status of this taxon remained uncertain since the species and genus descriptions were based on the single, badly dam-aged holotype. Recently, we re-examined the holotype and found discrepancies between its features and those describedin the diagnoses. Its measurements and characteristics are entirely identical to those of a small species of Hipposideros.Having compared its features with those of other hipposiderids, we show here that Paracoelops megalotis was incorrectly classified both in terms of genus and species and should be considered a synonym of Hipposideros pomona.
A detailed account of the reproductive strategy and developmental stages of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis (Anura: Nasikabatrachidae), the only extant member of an archaic frog lineage
Authors: ZACHARIAH ANIL , ABRAHAM ROBIN KURIAN , DAS SANDEEP , JAYAN K. C. , ALTIG RONALD
Published: April 2019

Novel and significant data on the breeding biology and tadpole morphology of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis expands ourunderstanding of this unusual frog and clarifies some data in other reports. Nonpigmented eggs are laid in arrays or clumpsin small shaded rocky pools in the bedrock of torrential streams, as they are charged by early monsoon rains. The suctorialtadpole adapted to rheophilic habitats, has a strongly depressed body, dorsal eyes, complete marginal papillae, a labialtooth row formula of 2/3 or 2/3(1), and a medial vent with unusual flaps subtending the vent and limb buds. Tadpoles meta-morphose in about 100 days. Additional site records and issues relating to the conservation of this frog and its habitat in the southern Western Ghats of India are discussed.
Erratum: Cassini, C.S., Cruz, C.A.G. & Caramaschi, U. (2010) Taxonomic review of Physalaemus olfersii (Lichtenstein & Martens, 1856) with revalidation of Physalaemus lateristriga (Steindachner, 1864) and description of two new related species (Anura: Leiuperidae). Zootaxa, 2491, 1–33.
Authors: CASSINI C. S. , CRUZ C. A. G. , CARAMASCHI U.
Published: April 2019

It has been brought to our attention that we have erroneously referenced some numbers of the type series of Physalaemus feioi. Some type specimens were donated from the collection of the Museu de Zoologia João Moojen de Oliveira (MZUFV) to the collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). In the original publication we erroneously kept original MZUFV numbers while changing the collection acronym to MNRJ. The mistake could be noticed and corrected because MNRJ curators kept both numbers (MZUV and MNRJ) with every specimen. Thus, the composition of the type series remains the same, both amount and identity, and are corrected herein as follow. In the original description of P. feioi, pages 21 and 22, the lines designating holotype and paratypes should read (see the synopsis of the alterations in the Table 1):
Redescriptions and descriptions of new species of Austrostrongylus Chandler, 1924 (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina), from Australian marsupials with a comparative study of features of the synlophe
Authors: DURETTE-DESSET M. C. , BEVERIDGE I.
Published: April 2019

Redescriptions are provided of Austrostrongylus aggregatus Johnston & Mawson, 1940, A. chandleri Mawson, 1973, A.macropodis Chandler, 1924, A. victoriensis Cassone, 1983 and A. wallabiae Johnston & Mawson, 1939 from macropodidmarsupials from eastern Australia. Two new species are described: A. mawsonae sp. nov. from Wallabia bicolor(Desmarest) and A. smalesae sp. nov. from Macropus rufogriseus (Desmarest), M. fuliginosus (Desmarest), M. giganteusShaw and W. bicolor (Desmarest). A. paratypicus Mawson, 1973 is treated as a synonym of A. macropodis. The synlopheis described from serial transverse sections of males and females of each species and the origins and terminations of thecuticular ridges documented for use in specific identification. Females of some species could be distinguished only bydifferences in the synlophe. The geographical and host ranges of all know species are expanded based on newercollections. Based on a study of seven species, comments are provided on the remaining congeners. A. petrogaleBeveridge & Durette-Desset, 1986 and A. safestatus Beveridge & Durette-Desset, 1986 are removed to the genusSutarostrongylus Beveridge & Durette-Desset, 1986 as S. petrogale comb. nov. and S. safestatus comb. nov. Keys are provided to males based on the features of the spicules and to females based on features of the synlophe.
Paramononchus orientalis sp. n. and Ethmolaimus maximus sp. n. (Nematoda) from Lake Baikal, Russia
Authors: GAGARIN VLADIMIR G. , NAUMOVA TATYANA V.
Published: April 2019

Two nematode species found in Lake Baikal, Russia are described. Paramononchus orientalis sp. n is morphologicallyclose to P. arcticus Mulvey, 1978, but differs from it in the shorter body (L = 3.08–3.78 mm vs L = 3.5–4.0 mm), largerbuccal cavity (64–68 x 30–32 µm vs 44–48 x 19–21 µm), larger eggs (140–155 x 80–87 µm vs 105–110 x 60–80 µm), lessslender tail in females (c’ = 4.2–5.0 vs c’ = 5.7–6.5), longer spicules (208–238 µm long vs 70 µm long) and shape ofgubernaculum. A key for the identification of valid species of the genus Paramononchus is given. Ethmolaimus maximussp. n. is the largest species yet described in the genus Ethmolaimus. It differs from E. pratensis de Man, 1880 in the longerbody (L = 1.65–2.09 mm vs L = 0.6–1.2 mm), comparatively shorter pharynx (b = 8.0–9.6 vs b = 4.8–7.0), comparativelylonger cephalic setae (45–55 % of labial region diameter vs 30–35 % of labial region diameter) and longer spicules (52–56µm long vs 38–48 µm long). Ethmolaimus intermedius Jensen, 1994 is synonymized with Ethmolaimus pratensis de Man, 1880.
Classification and Nomenclature of the Sandpipers (Aves: Arenariinae)
Authors: BANKS RICHARD C.
Published: April 2019

The sandpipers, stints, knots, turnstones, and closely related shorebirds known by a variety of distinctive English group names are so widely diverse in morphology, behavior, and ecology that 26 species have been classified under no fewer than 19 available generic names. The two species of turnstones in the genus Arenaria are sufficiently distinctive as to have been treated as a family-group (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature [ICZN] 1999, Art. 35, 36)—Arenariidae, Arenariinae, or Arenariini, depending on taxonomic viewpoint. The Surfbird, in the monotypic genus Aphriza, was included in that family-group until Jehl (1968) showed that it is more closely related to the “typical” sandpipers. As such, it became one of five distinctive monotypic genera allied with the large polytypic genus Calidris in the family-group Calidrididae, Calidridinae, or Calidridini (e.g., American Ornithologists’ Union [AOU] 1983, 1998; Dickinson 2003, Gill and Wright 2006; see Jehl 2010). Calidris had early on become the senior synonym of 14 generic names in this group of 23 species (see synonymies in Peters 1934, Hellmayr and Conover 1948, AOU 1998), some of which were already senior to other generic names (see Ridgway 1919).
Shallow-water Demospongiae (Porifera) from Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
Authors: SAMAAI TOUFIEK , PILLAY RUWEN , JANSON LIESL
Published: April 2019

33 species of shallow-water Demospongiae (Phylum Porifera) are described from Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the east coast of South Africa. Of the 33 species collected, 18 are redescribed from fresh material and 15 are new to science. Orders Clionaida, Poecilosclerida, Axinellida, Haplosclerida and Dictyoceratida are well represented in the collection with 4 to 6 species each, with the first three groups appearing to have the greatest diversity on the east coast of South Africa. The east coast of South Africa appears to have a high abundance of poecilosclerid and dictyoceratid sponges. The results of this study underscore the importance of poecilosclerid and dictyoceratid sponge fauna of the east coast of South Africa, in terms of the potential for the continued discovery of new species.
The Effects of Remote Internal Tides on Continental Slope Internal Tide Generation
Authors: Gong Yankun , Rayson Matthew D. , Jones Nicole L. , Ivey Gregory N.
Published: April 2019

Internal tide generation at sloping topography is nominally determined by the local slope geometry, density stratification, and tidal forcing. Recent global ocean models have revealed that remotely generated internal tides (RITs) can also influence locally generated internal tides (LITs). Field measurements with through-the-water column moorings on the southern portion of the Australian North West Shelf (NWS) suggested that RITs led to local regions with either positive or negative barotropic to baroclinic energy conversion. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to examine the role of RITs on local internal tide climatology on the inner slope and shelf portion of the NWS. The model demonstrated the principle remote generation site was the western portion of the offshore Exmouth Plateau. Extending the model domain to include this offshore plateau region increased the local net energy conversion on the inner shelf by 13.5% and on the slope by 8%. Simulations using an idealized 2D model configuration aligned along the principal direction of RIT propagation demonstrated that the sign and magnitude of the local energy conversion was dependent on the distance between the remote and local generation sites, the phase difference between the local barotropic tide and the RIT, and the amplitude of both the local barotropic tide and the RIT. For RITs with a low-wave Froude number (Fr < 0.05), where Fr is the ratio of the internal wave baroclinic velocity to the linear wave speed, the conversion rates were consistent with kinematic predictions based on the phase difference only. For stronger flows with Fr > 0.05, the conversion rates showed a nonlinear dependence on Fr.
Tropical Cyclone Hazard to Mumbai in the Recent Historical Climate
Authors: Sobel Adam H. , Lee Chia-Ying , Camargo Suzana J. , Mandli Kyle T. , Emanuel Kerry A. , Mukhopadhyay Parthasarathi , Mahakur M.
Published: April 2019

The hazard to the city of Mumbai, India, from a possible severe tropical cyclone under the recent historical climate is considered. The authors first determine, based on a review of primary sources, that the Bombay Cyclone of 1882, documented in a number of print and Internet sources and claimed to have caused 100 000 or more deaths, did not occur. Two different tropical cyclone hazard models, both of which generate large numbers of synthetic cyclones using environmental data—here taken from reanalyses in the satellite era—as input, are then used to quantify the hazard, in conjunction with historical observations. Both models indicate that a severe cyclone landfall at or near Mumbai is possible, though unlikely in any given year. Return periods for wind speeds exceeding 100 kt (1 kt = 0.5144 m s−1) (the threshold for category 3 in the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale) at Mumbai itself are estimated to be in the range of thousands to greater than 10 000 years, while the return period for a storm with maximum wind speed of 100 kt or greater passing within 150 km of Mumbai (possibly close enough to generate a substantial storm surge at the city) is estimated to be around 500 years. Return periods for winds exceeding 65 kt (hurricane intensity on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale) are estimated to be around 200 years at Mumbai itself, and 50–90 years within 150 km. Climate change is not explicitly considered in this study, but the hazard to the city is likely to be increasing because of sea level rise as well as changes in storm climatology.
TKE-Based Moist Eddy-Diffusivity Mass-Flux (EDMF) Parameterization for Vertical Turbulent Mixing
Authors: Han Jongil , Bretherton Christopher S.
Published: April 2019

A new turbulent kinetic energy (TKE)-based moist eddy-diffusivity mass-flux (EDMF) vertical turbulence mixing scheme (EDMF-TKE) is developed, where the nonlocal transport by large turbulent eddies is represented by a mass-flux (MF) scheme while the local transport by small turbulent eddies is represented by an eddy-diffusivity (ED) scheme, which is given by a function of a prognostic TKE. In the scheme, an MF approach is employed for the stratocumulus-top-driven downdrafts as well as for the thermals in the daytime unstable boundary layer. The scheme includes parameterizations for enhanced buoyancy due to moist adiabatic processes in condensation and for TKE interaction with cumulus convection. A scale-aware parameterization is proposed for the grid sizes where the large turbulent eddies are partially resolved. The single-column model (SCM) tests show that both the EDMF-TKE and the current operational NCEP GFS hybrid EDMF scheme (EDMF-CTL) simulate a daytime dry-convective boundary layer well and agree with a benchmark large-eddy simulation (LES). For a marine stratocumulus-topped boundary layer case, the EDMF-TKE better simulates the liquid water and wind speed profiles than the EDMF-CTL compared to the LES. For a stable boundary layer (SBL) case, the EDMF-TKE also agrees better with the LES than the EDMF-CTL, although it tends to produce a deeper SBL compared to the LES. On the other hand, three-dimensional medium-range forecast experiments show that the EDMF-TKE slightly improves forecast skill in the 500-hPa height anomaly correlation and wind vector, while it has a neutral impact on precipitation forecasts over the continental United States.
Quality of Item Pool (QIP) Index: A Novel Approach to Evaluating CAT Item Pool Adequacy
Authors: Gönülateş Emre
Published: April 2019

This article introduces the Quality of Item Pool (QIP) Index, a novel approach to quantifying the adequacy of an item pool of a computerized adaptive test for a given set of test specifications and examinee population. This index ranges from 0 to 1, with values close to 1 indicating the item pool presents optimum items to examinees throughout the test. This index can be used to compare different item pools or diagnose the deficiencies of a given item pool by quantifying the amount of deviation from a perfect item pool. Simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the capacity of this index for detecting the inadequacies of two simulated item pools. The value of this index was compared with the existing methods of evaluating the quality of computerized adaptive tests (CAT). Results of the study showed that the QIP Index can detect even slight deviations between a proposed item pool and an optimal item pool. It can also uncover shortcomings of an item pool that other outcomes of CAT cannot detect. CAT developers can use the QIP Index to diagnose the weaknesses of the item pool and as a guide for improving item pools.
Role of Ambient Temperature in Influencing Willingness to Pay in Auctions and Negotiations
Authors: Sinha Jayati , Bagchi Rajesh
Published: April 2019

While temperature’s effects on human physiology have been well studied, its effects in decision-making contexts are still relatively unknown. The authors investigate the role of ambient temperature in one important decision-making context: consumer purchase. More specifically, they examine how ambient temperature influences consumers’ willingness to pay in different kinds of purchase contexts, such as in auctions and in negotiations. The authors show that whereas higher (vs. moderate) temperatures elicit higher willingness to pay in auctions, they lead to a lower willingness to pay in negotiations, and temperature-induced discomfort and aggression underlie these effects. The authors also study the effects of lower temperatures and extend these findings to more general competitive settings. They report findings from six studies and discuss theoretical, managerial, and policy implications.
Endoscopic Treatment of Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease in Children
Authors: Wang Peng-peng , Ge Wen-tong , Ni Xin , Tang Li-xing , Zhang Jie , Yang Xiao-jian , Sun Ji-hang
Published: April 2019

In this article, we explore the disease spectrum and clinical characteristics of and the diagnosis and endoscopic approach to treating isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) in children. To these ends, we review a case series of 19 patients (mean age: 8.1 ± 4.9 years, range: 1.1-15 years, median age: 6.7 years, 13 males, 6 females) who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital for ISSD during the 4 years between 2012 and 2016. The symptoms of pediatric sphenoid sinus disease tend to be variable and nonspecific and include atypical headache, nasal congestion, epistaxis, postnasal drip, snoring, and impaired vision. Headache is the presenting symptom in 42% of patients, but headaches occurred in no specific or typical location. Ten patients underwent preoperative endoscopic examination, and abnormalities in the sphenoethmoidal recess were found in 6 (60%) of these 10 patients. All 19 patients underwent ultra-low-dose paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) imaging, and 9 patients with suspected tumors or sphenoid mucoceles were further examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The endoscopic transostial approach was performed in all 19 patients: 16 patients received excision of inflammatory sphenoid sinus disorders and benign tumors, including sphenoid sinusitis, sphenoid sinus mucocele, sphenoid sinus polyp, and ossifying fibroma; 3 patients with suspected tumors received biopsies to detect rhabdomyosarcoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and juvenile xanthogranuloma. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were observed. Children with opacified sphenoid sinus identified by radiographic imaging presented a variety of pathologies. The most common lesions were associated with inflammatory disease. Because the symptoms of pediatric sphenoid sinus disease tend to be variable and nonspecific, CT remains the standard for evaluating sphenoid sinus disease, and ultra-low-dose paranasal sinus CT imaging is recommended and can provide images of equal or better quality compared with those obtained by standard dose CT. In addition, MRI is an essential adjunct in the diagnosis and selection of treatment for suspected tumors of the sphenoid sinus. The endoscopic transostial approach was especially suitable for the management of pediatric benign isolated sphenoid sinus lesions.
Polysomnography Outcomes after Supraglottoplasty in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Schroeder James W. , Billings Kathleen R. , Giancola Nicholas , Thompson Dana M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Laryngomalacia has been reported to contribute to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. It is unclear if surgical treatment of laryngomalacia improves polysomnography (PSG) outcomes in these patients. The objective of this study is to report the impact of supraglottoplasty on PSG parameters in children with laryngomalacia‐related OSA.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Historical cohort study of consecutive children with laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty and who had undergone overnight PSG before and after surgery.

Results

Forty‐one patients were included in the final analysis: 22 (53.6%) were male, and 19 (46.3%) were female. The mean ± SEM age of patients at preoperative PSG was 1.3 ± 0.89 years (range, 0.003‐2.9). In entire cohort, the mean obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index score was reduced from 26.6 events/h before supraglottoplasty to 7.3 events/h after surgery (P =. 003). Respiratory disturbance index was reduced from 27.3 events/h before supraglottoplasty to 7.8 events/h after surgery (P =. 003). The percentage of REM sleep decreased from 30.1% ± 2.4 to 24.8% ± 1.3 (P =. 04). Sleep efficiency was improved (P =. 05).

Conclusion

Overall, supraglottoplasty significantly improved several PSG outcomes in children with laryngomalacia. However, mild to moderate OSA was still present postoperatively in most children. This suggested a multifactorial cause for OSA in this population.
Mirtazapine attenuates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rats during cocaine withdrawal
Authors: Barbosa Méndez Susana , Salazar-Juárez Alberto
Published: April 2019

Background:

Anxiety and depression, key symptoms of the cocaine withdrawal syndrome in human addicts, are considered the main factors that precipitate relapse in chronic cocaine addiction. Preclinical studies have found that rodents exposed to different withdrawal periods show an increase in anxiety and depressive-like behavior. Mirtazapine – a tetracyclic medication – is used primarily to treat depression and, sometimes, anxiety. It has also successfully improved withdrawal symptoms in drug-dependent patients.

Aim:

This study sought to determine whether chronic dosing of mirtazapine during cocaine withdrawal reduced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors that characterize cocaine withdrawal in animals.

Methods:

Cocaine pre-treated Wistar rats were subjected to a 60-day cocaine withdrawal period during which depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated in open field tests (OFT), the elevated plus-maze (EPM), the light–dark box test (LDT), the forced swimming test (FST) and spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA).

Results:

We found that chronic dosing with different doses of mirtazapine (30 and 60 mg/kg) decreased depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced by different doses of cocaine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) during the 60-day cocaine withdrawal.

Interpretation:

Our results suggest that the pharmacological effect of mirtazapine on its target sites of action (α2-adrenergic and 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors) within the brain may improve depression- and anxiety-like behaviors for long periods.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the findings support the use of mirtazapine as a potentially effective therapy to reduce anxiety and depressive-like behavior during cocaine withdrawal.
Penile fracture and investigation of early surgical repair effects on erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kati Bulent , Akin Yigit , Demir Mehmet , Boran Omer Faruk , Gumus Kemal , Ciftci Halil
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

Penile fracture is one of the urological emergencies caused by direct trauma to an erect penis during sexual intercourse, which results in a tear in the tunica albuginea within the corpus cavernosum. Serious complications such as penile curvature and erectile dysfunction may develop due to inappropriate and/or late surgical repair. This study aims to evaluate patients with penile fracture and to describe their demographics, surgical repairs, and long-term outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 56 patients who were diagnosed with penile fracture between January 2012 and June 2017 were reviewed. Clinical features, pre-operative assessment, time from injury to surgery, tunica defect properties, and presence of urethral injury were assessed. Early surgical management was performed. Outcomes, including International Index of Erectile Function 5 pre-operation and after 6 months, were evaluated.

Results:

The mean age was 30.2 (18–57) years. In etiological questionnaires, 32 (57.2%) patients reported direct trauma to an erect penis during intercourse. The mean size of tunica defects was 1.61 ± 0.42 (0.3–3.6) cm of the nine (16%) patients, and penile fracture was associated with urethral injury. There was no significant difference in International Index of Erectile Function 5 scores before the surgery and 6 months after surgery. Penile skin necrosis developed in one patient 10 days post-operation.

Conclusion:

Early surgical repair could be an effective method of achieving post-operative erection success in patients with penile fracture due to direct trauma during intercourse.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders With Early Onset
Authors: Fragoso Yara Dadalti , Sousa Nise Alessandra C. , Saad Tania , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , Pimentel Maria Lucia V. , Goncalves Marcus Vinicius M. , Stella Carla Vieira , Diniz Denise Sisterolli , Santos Gutemberg C. , Gomes Sidney , Adoni Tarso , Anacleto Andrea , Claudino Rinaldo , Malfetano Fabiola Rachid , Winckler Thereza Cristina d’Ávila , Damasceno Alfredo , Eboni Audred C. Biondo , Farinhas João Gabriel D. , Mota Rhea Sylvia de Souza
Published: April 2019

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is a severe and disabling disease that manifests with severe relapses of optic neuritis, longitudinally extensive myelitis, and/or brainstem syndromes. The disease is complex and, although onset typically occurs in middle age, children and adolescents may be affected. The present study adds to the literature through detailed clinical data from 36 Brazilian patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder starting before age 21. This was a retrospective assessment of medical records from 14 specialized units in Brazil. The results showed that the course of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was worse in patients with disease onset before the age of 12 years. Gender and ethnic background did not influence disability accumulation. Over a median period of 8 years, 14% of the patients who presented the initial symptoms of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder before the age of 21 years died. In conclusion, the present study adds to the reports from other authors examining the severity of early-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Sleepwalking and Sleep Paralysis: Prevalence in Colombian Families With Genetic Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Cornejo-Sanchez Diana M. , Carrizosa-Moog Jaime , Cabrera-Hemer Dagoberto , Solarte-Mila Rodrigo , Gomez-Castillo Christhian , Thomas Rhys , Leal Suzanne M. , Cornejo-Ochoa William , Pineda-Trujillo Nicolas
Published: April 2019

Background:

Sleep deprivation commonly increases seizure frequency in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy, though it is unknown whether there is an increased prevalence of sleepwalking or sleep paralysis in genetic generalized epilepsy patients. Establishing this could provide insights into the bio-mechanisms or genetic architecture of both disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleepwalking and sleep paralysis in a cohort of patients with genetic generalized epilepsy and their relatives in extended families.

Methods:

A structured interview based on International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) criteria was applied to 67 index cases and their relatives to determine genetic generalized epilepsy subtypes and assess the occurrence of sleepwalking or sleep paralysis. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests.

Results:

The prevalence of sleepwalking and sleep paralysis was 15.3% (95% confidence interval 12.1-18.9) and 11.7% (95% confidence interval 8.7-15.3), respectively. Unusually, no sleepwalkers were found among individuals displaying epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Approximately a quarter of the patients had either parasomnia or genetic generalized epilepsy. Over half the genetic generalized epilepsy families had at least 1 individual with sleepwalking, and more than 40% of the families had one individual with sleep paralysis.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of sleepwalking or sleep paralysis is reported for individuals with genetic generalized epilepsy and their relatives. The co-existence of either parasomnia in the genetic generalized epilepsy patients and the co-aggregation within their families let suggest that shared heritability and pathophysiological mechanisms exist between these disorders. We hypothesize that sleepwalking/sleep paralysis and genetic generalized epilepsy could be variable expression of genes in shared pathways.
Growing Up in the Digital Age: Early Learning and Family Media Ecology
Authors: Barr Rachel
Published: April 2019

Media is so pervasive that it should no longer be considered a nuisance variable that could affect development; rather, it should be seen as a fundamental part of the context in which development occurs. Despite the rapid growth in access to digital media, there is a scarcity of research examining changes in the family media ecology and the subsequent effects of early media exposure on sociocognitive development. Early research was erroneously focused on the absolute amount of exposure by the child. Current research now considers the entire household, including both intentional exposure to child-directed content and unintended exposure to background media sources. Such research demonstrates that young children can and do learn from well-designed media, particularly when they engage with other people during digital play.
“All Eyes on Me”: A Qualitative Study of Parent and Patient Experiences of Multidisciplinary Care in Craniofacial Conditions
Authors: Myhre Anita , Agai Mehri , Dundas Ingrid , Feragen Kristin Billaud
Published: April 2019

Objective:

The present study investigated how adults with congenital craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) and parents experience the long-term and complex treatment offered by a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Design:

Exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on individual semistructured interviews.

Setting:

Centralized national follow-up and treatment of CFAs by a multidisciplinary craniofacial team from which participants were systematically recruited.

Participants:

The sample included 48 parents of children with CFAs and 16 adults with CFAs (N = 64).

Results:

In general, participants reported to be satisfied with the follow-up and treatment they received from the MDT. Still, some aspects of treatment were experienced as demanding such as the large number of health professionals present during the consultation and being the object of their scrutinizing attention. Health professionals’ communication skills were described as central for participants’ involvement in, and satisfaction with, treatment. Participants also expressed a need for more treatment-related information regarding future treatment.

Conclusions:

Findings could have implications for the organization of care for parents and patients with rare CFAs. The many advantages of MDTs also create unique challenges for patients and parents that need to be addressed. Patients and families should be prepared for the first consultation with the MDT. Health professionals should be aware of their communication style when interacting with patients and be aware of individual differences and needs regarding treatment-related experiences and expectations.
The Role of Consent in the Context of BDSM
Authors: Dunkley Cara R. , Brotto Lori A.
Published: April 2019

Consent represents a central focus in the controversial realm of BDSM—an overlapping acronym referring to the practices of Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism. Many authors have argued that the hallmark feature that distinguishes BDSM activity from abuse and psychopathology is the presence of mutual informed consent of all those involved. This review examines the relevant literature on consent in BDSM, including discussions on safety precautions, consent violations, North American laws pertaining to BDSM practice, and the role of the BDSM community with respect to education and etiquette surrounding consent. Practical information relevant to professionals who work toward the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse is provided. The explicit approach to consent practiced by those in the BDSM community is proposed as a model for discussions around consent in clinical and educational contexts. Criteria for distinguishing abuse from BDSM and identifying abuse within BDSM relationships are outlined. It is our hope to demystify the consent process and add to the growing body of literature that destigmatizes consensual BDSM practices.
An excellent 5-year survival rate despite a high incidence of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy in a short hip stem
Authors: Thalmann Caroline , Horn Lang Tamara , Bereiter Heinz , Clauss Martin , Acklin Yves P , Stoffel Karl
Published: April 2019

Background:

Although reported results on short stems sound very promising, the occurrence of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy is often observed. The aim of the present study was to report 5-year survival data of a commercially available trochanter sparing short stem and investigate the clinical impact of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy on the outcome.

Methods:

123 total hip arthroplasties were performed on 120 patients from April 2008 to May 2010 (mean age 62, range 29–89 years; 71 hips from male patients, 58%). Clinical and radiological data were collected preoperative, at 6 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postoperative to assess the outcome. Radiographs taken immediately postoperative as well as 1 and 5 years postoperative were used to identify and assess cortical hypertrophy.

Results:

1 stem had to be revised due to aseptic loosening, resulting in a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with endpoint for stem revision of 99.2% (95% Confidence Interval 94.1–99.9) at 5 years. 96 radiological and 95 clinical follow-ups were analysed 5 years postoperative. 68 (71%) hips showed distal femoral cortical hypertrophy after 5 years. The average Harris Hip Score and Oxford Hip Score improved 33 (standard deviation (SD) 15.1, range 2–70), 18 (SD 12.1, range -10–43) points, respectively. Overall 16% of the patients reported thigh pain, unrelated to the presence of cortical hypertrophy.

Discussion:

This short stem shows an excellent 5-year survival rate and good clinical outcome despite a high incidence of cortical hypertrophy. However, the question of the mechanism of load transfer arises.
Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Forgotten Entity in Older Patients
Authors: Stubbs Vanessa C , Miller Lauren E , Parasher Arjun K , Glicksman Jordan T , Adappa Nithin D , Palmer James
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA) characteristically affects adolescent men. Although benign, these tumors can cause local destruction and surgical resection is warranted.

Objective:

We present a case of a 62-year-old man with nasal congestion and epistaxis, found to be a right NA on pathology. We also present a review of the available NA staging systems.

Findings:

In this case of NA, imaging revealed an aggressive, hypervascular mass in the nasal cavity with involvement of the middle cranial fossa and cavernous sinus. The patient underwent complete endoscopic surgical resection following vascular embolization.

Conclusions:

Although it is rare, NA should not be disregarded in the elderly population.
The relationship between national identity and European Union evaluations, 1993–2017
Authors: Clark Nicholas J , Rohrschneider Robert
Published: April 2019

We examine two aspects of the connection between individuals’ national identities and their European Union evaluations. First, we examine the changing relationship from 1993–2017, thus paying attention to not only recent crises years but also the time when political integration accelerated after the Maastricht treaty came into effect. Second, we draw on group-identity theory to explain the changing relationship for individuals with extreme as well as moderate ideological attitudes. We use a new cumulative Eurobarometer Representation dataset (1993–2017) to test three hypotheses. Our most important finding is that by 2017 the relationship between national identity and European Union evaluations among ideologically moderate citizens is stronger than it was in 1993 among individuals with right-extreme ideological views. While the economic crisis since 2007 reinforced this development, it was not responsible for its onset.
Multi-modal prosthetic fingertip sensor with proximity, contact, and force localization capabilities
Authors: Segil Jacob , Patel Radhen , Klingner John , ﬀ Weir Richard F , Correll Nikolaus
Published: April 2019

The lack of sensory feedback provided by prosthetic hands dramatically limits the utility of the device. Peripheral nerve interfaces are now able to produce stable somatosensory percepts for upper limb amputees. Sensors must be able to detect forces across the fingers of the prosthesis in a repeatable and reliable fashion. We solved this concern with a novel multi-modal tactile sensor which consists of an infrared proximity sensor and a barometric pressure sensor embedded in an elastomer layer with potential use in prosthetic devices. Signals from both sensors measure proximity (0–10 mm), contact (0 N), and force (0–50 N) and are combined to localize impact at five spatial locations and three angles of incidence. Here, we describe the sensor design, its characterization, and data analysis. We use Gaussian process regression to fuse the signals from both sensors to obtain calibrated force in Newton with an R2 value of 0.99. We use supervised learning to localize probe position and direction with classification accuracies of 96% and 89%, respectively. The complementary nature of both sensors leads to several sensing modalities that no one sensor can provide on its own and the repeatable, reliable, and compact form of the sensor enables use in multi-functional prosthetic hands.
Polyalthic Acid in Polymeric Nanoparticles Causes Selective Growth Inhibition and Genotoxicity in MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Chibas Leniher Castan , Cintra Priscila Pavini , Moreira Monique Rodrigues , Goulart Mirian Oliveira , Ambrósio Sérgio Ricardo , Veneziani Rodrigo Cassio Sola , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , dos Santos Raquel Alves
Published: April 2019

Polyalthic acid (PA) is a diterpene present in several trees of the Copaifera genus, with reported antitumor activity but poor water solubility. The aim of this work was the incorporation of PA in polymeric nanoparticles and the evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of this formulation in tumor (MCF-7) and normal (MCF-10A) breast cell lines. The nanoparticles were obtained by nanoprecipitation, using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as the main material. Scanning electron microscopy showed nanoparticles with semispherical morphology, and dynamic light scattering measures revealed negative surface charge and average size of 98.64 ± 28 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was 98% and the drug loading was 15.6% ± 0.02%. Treatments with PA nanoparticles reduced cell proliferation more efficiently than free PA and the effect was selective on MCF-7 cells. Comet assay revealed a selective DNA damage induction by the nanoformulation on the tumor cells, which probably caused the antiproliferative effect. Our results show that PA incorporated in PLGA nanoparticles has potential as a selective cytostatic and genotoxic agent against MCF-7 cells.
Lactococcus garvieae Endocarditis in a Prosthetic Aortic Valve: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rösch Romina Maria , Buschmann Katja , Brendel Lena , Schwanz Thomas , Vahl Christian-Friedrich
Published: April 2019

Background. Lactococcus garvieae (LG) is a gram-positive coccus known to be a major pathogen in aqua farming, which is responsible for severe outbreaks. Its incidence in humans is extremely rare. Prior to 1985, all bacteria in the genus Lactococcus were included in the Streptococcus genus. The first human infection was documented in 1991, and since then, the relevance and clinical significance in humans has increased. Case Description. We present the clinical course of an LG endocarditis in a 78-year-old man who had a history of exertional dyspnea. The patient’s blood tests showed increased inflammation values, and a transesophageal ultrasound (TEE) showed a stenosis of the prosthetic aortic valve. Blood cultures were positive for LG, leading to a diagnosis of infective endocarditis. After 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and a prosthetic aortic valve replacement, the patient made a good recovery. Review of the Literature. After the first documented case in 1991 to 2018, 25 cases of LG endocarditis have been described in PubMed and MEDLINE. We reviewed all reported cases of LG endocarditis, commenting on predisposing risk factors, the course and outcome of the disease. Conclusion. LG endocarditis is a rare disease. Consumption of raw fish, abnormalities of the digestive tract, immune deficiency, and underlying cardiac conditions appear to be risk factors for an infective endocarditis due to LG. Improved determination techniques are likely to lead to a better and faster identification of the bacterium. This identification allows a faster and individualized therapy, which in turn affects the outcome.
Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Ascending Aorta
Authors: Al-Azizi Karim M. , Hamandi Mohanad , Baxter Ronald , Krueger Anita , Crawford Alexander W. , William Michael , Good Christopher , Mead Nicolas
Published: April 2019

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign primary cardiac tumors. They are typically found on valvular surfaces, most commonly, the aortic valve. In this article, we report a case of papillary fibroelastoma arising from the sinotubular junction of the ascending aorta, a rare and unusual site causing an embolic stroke.
Billed and Paid Amounts for Preventive Procedures in Dental Medicaid
Authors: Wagner K. , Szabo A. , Zheng C. , Okunseri E. , Okunseri C.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To examine trends and variations in billed and paid amounts for preventive dental procedures by race/ethnicity, age, and sex in Wisconsin dental Medicaid.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the 2001 to 2013 Wisconsin Medicaid claims database for preventive dental procedures for children and adults. Billed and paid amounts for preventive dental procedures were aggregated over a visit and adjusted for inflation based on the Medical Care Consumer Price Index produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2013. Quantile regression was used to examine the trends over time and the effect of patient demographics.

Result:

At the 50th and 75th percentiles, the overall billed amounts for preventive dental procedures were $84.97 and $105.53, and the paid amounts were $35.80 and $41.66, respectively. At the 75th percentile, there was a $2.24 increase per year in the billed amount and a $26.88 overall increase from 2001 to 2013. In the paid amount, there was a $1.34 decrease per year for an overall $16.07 decrease from 2001 to 2013. Billed and paid claims for racial/ethnic minority enrollees were $1 to $3 higher per visit at the 75th percentile when compared with those of Whites. Regarding the billed:paid ratio, White, African American, and Hispanic enrollees had values of 50% to 52%, whereas American Indians had the lowest value at 47.7%. At the 75th percentile, children aged 10 to 19 y had significantly higher billed ($26.73) and paid ($9.92) amounts than did adults aged 20 to 69 y.

Conclusion:

The billed amount increased over time, and the paid amount decreased after adjustment for inflation. In addition, there was a wide gap between billed and paid amounts over time.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study highlights clear differences between paid and billed amounts in Wisconsin dental Medicaid. The financial health of dental practices is dependent on appropriate reimbursement for dental services provided; thus, information of this nature could serve as a proxy performance measure for access to preventive dental care. Findings from this study could be used by policy makers and dental Medicaid program managers to develop outcome metrics to improve access to preventive dental services.