bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Sevoflurane Exposure Causes Abnormal Development of Fetal Prefrontal Cortex and Induces Cognitive Dysfunction in Offspring
Authors: Song Ruixue , Ling Xiaomin , Peng Mengyuan , Xue Zhanggang , Cang Jing , Fang Fang
Published: September 2017

Maternal sevoflurane exposure during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for behavioral deficits in offspring. Several studies indicated that neurogenesis abnormality may be responsible for the sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity, but the concrete impact of sevoflurane on fetal brain development remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether maternal sevoflurane exposure caused learning and memory impairment in offspring through inducing abnormal development of the fetal prefrontal cortex (PFC). Pregnant mice at gestational day 15.5 received 2.5% sevoflurane for 6 h. Learning function of the offspring was evaluated with the Morris water maze test at postnatal day 30. Brain tissues of fetal mice were subjected to immunofluorescence staining to assess differentiation, proliferation, and cell cycle dynamics of the fetal PFC. We found that maternal sevoflurane anesthesia impaired learning ability in offspring through inhibiting deep-layer immature neuron output and neuronal progenitor replication. With the assessment of cell cycle dynamics, we established that these effects were mediated through cell cycle arrest in neural progenitors. Our research has provided insights into the cell cycle-related mechanisms by which maternal sevoflurane exposure can induce neurodevelopmental abnormalities and learning dysfunction and appeals people to consider the neurotoxicity of anesthetics when considering the benefits and risks of nonobstetric surgical procedures.
Stability Analysis of Impulsive Stochastic Reaction-Diffusion Cellular Neural Network with Distributed Delay via Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Rao Ruofeng , Zhong Shouming
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the stochastically exponential stability of reaction-diffusion impulsive stochastic cellular neural networks (CNN). The reaction-diffusion pulse stochastic system model characterizes the complexity of practical engineering and brings about mathematical difficulties, too. However, the difficulties have been overcome by constructing a new contraction mapping and an appropriate distance on a product space which is guaranteed to be a complete space. This is the first time to employ the fixed point theorem to derive the stability criterion of reaction-diffusion impulsive stochastic CNN with distributed time delays. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Colistin Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Snakes in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Po-Yu , Weng Ling-Ling , Tseng Shu-Ying , Huang Chou-Chen , Cheng Ching-Chang , Mao Yan-Chiao , Tung Kwong-Chung
Published: September 2017

This study included fifty-eight isolates of P. aeruginosa from the oral cavity of snakes that were recruited from clinical cases, captive and wild snakes. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the determination of susceptibility were identified by the broth microdilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect β-lactamases genes. With regard to antipseudomonal antibiotics, the lowest nonsusceptible rates were in aztreonam (15%), piperacillin/tazobactam (12%), and amikacin (9%). The nonsusceptible rates were high in gentamicin (33%) and colistin (55%). Meanwhile, blaTEM presented in 100% of isolates where blaAmpC, blaOXA-1, and blaOXA-10 came at 94.8%, 89.7%, and 27.6%, respectively. Emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains and colistin-resistant strains highlights the potential breach of public health as P. aeruginosa could be transmitted through either direct contact or indirect dissemination through the environment. This study reports that the highly resistant P. aeruginosa from snakes’ oral cavity were discovered for the very first time in Taiwan.
Morphometric Analysis and Classification of the Cross-Sectional Shape of the C2 Lamina
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Kwak Dai-Soon , Kim In-Beom
Published: September 2017

A thorough understanding of the morphology of the lamina of the second cervical vertebra (C2) is important for safe C2 translaminar screw placement. Although anatomical characteristics of the C2 lamina have been widely documented, individual differences in morphology have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to morphometrically analyze the cross-sectional shape of the C2 lamina and classify the shape to describe individual differences. Morphometric analysis was conducted on 145 three-dimensional C2 models based on computerized tomography images from Korean adult cadavers. Several parameters were measured on a cross-section image of the lamina model. Based on numerical criteria, all of the C2 lamina’s cross-sectional shapes could be categorized into three distinctive morphological types: pyriform, ellipse, and obpyriform shapes. We confirmed that most Koreans can accommodate C2 translaminar screw placement with a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of thickness measured at 6.26 mm. Morphometric analysis suggested that the obpyriform-shaped lamina (4.48%) is likely to require screw trajectory adjustment to avoid cortical breakout of the screw. Our results will enhance current anatomical understanding of the C2 lamina and thus facilitate safer C2 translaminar screw placement.
Visual Sensor Based Image Segmentation by Fuzzy Classification and Subregion Merge
Authors: He Huidong , Mao Xiaoqian , Li Wei , Niu Linwei , Chen Genshe
Published: September 2017

The extraction and tracking of targets in an image shot by visual sensors have been studied extensively. The technology of image segmentation plays an important role in such tracking systems. This paper presents a new approach to color image segmentation based on fuzzy color extractor (FCE). Different from many existing methods, the proposed approach provides a new classification of pixels in a source color image which usually classifies an individual pixel into several subimages by fuzzy sets. This approach shows two unique features: the spatial proximity and color similarity, and it mainly consists of two algorithms: CreateSubImage and MergeSubImage. We apply the FCE to segment colors of the test images from the database at UC Berkeley in the RGB, HSV, and YUV, the three different color spaces. The comparative studies show that the FCE applied in the RGB space is superior to the HSV and YUV spaces. Finally, we compare the segmentation effect with Canny edge detection and Log edge detection algorithms. The results show that the FCE-based approach performs best in the color image segmentation.
Do Changes in Welfare and Health Policy Affect Life Satisfaction of Older Citizens in Europe?
Authors: Olaroiu Marinela , Alexa Ioana Dana , Heuvel Wim J. A. van den
Published: September 2017

Objectives. Ageing of societies causes serious political concerns on well-being of old citizens and care for the (frail) old. These concerns increased with the economic crisis of 2008. In European countries policy measures were taken to deal with the consequences of this crisis. This study explores the possible effects of these measures on life satisfaction of older citizens.Methods. Life satisfaction was assessed through international surveys in 2007 and 2013 and changes in societal conditions, using eight indicators on demography, welfare, and health, are assessed in 31 European countries in 2006 and in 2014. Data are standardised and based on official, national surveys and statistics.Results. The former found that U-shape relationship between age and life satisfaction disappeared after the crisis. Negative changes in social protection and care arrangements, taken after the economic crisis, are related to low life satisfaction in old citizens.Conclusions. Various societal conditions deteriorated in 2014 as compared to 2006. Policy measures, taken due to the 2008 economic crisis, have changed societal conditions and affected life satisfaction of older citizens negatively. In countries with a rudimentary structure of health and welfare provisions old citizens could not cope with the imposed policy measures.
Treatment of the Fluoroquinolone‐Associated Disability: The Pathobiochemical Implications
Authors: Michalak Krzysztof , Sobolewska-Włodarczyk Aleksandra , Włodarczyk Marcin , Sobolewska Justyna , Woźniak Piotr , Sobolewski Bogusław
Published: September 2017

Long‐term fluoroquinolone‐associated disability (FQAD) after fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotic therapy appears in recent years as a significant medical and social problem, because patients suffer for many years after prescribed antimicrobial FQ treatment from tiredness, concentration problems, neuropathies, tendinopathies, and other symptoms. The knowledge about the molecular activity of FQs in the cells remains unclear in many details. The effective treatment of this chronic state remains difficult and not effective. The current paper reviews the pathobiochemical properties of FQs, hints the directions for further research, and reviews the research concerning the proposed treatment of patients. Based on the analysis of literature, the main directions of possible effective treatment of FQAD are proposed: (a) reduction of the oxidative stress, (b) restoring reduced mitochondrion potential ΔΨm, (c) supplementation of uni‐ and bivalent cations that are chelated by FQs and probably ineffectively transported to the cell (caution must be paid to Fe and Cu because they may generate Fenton reaction), (d) stimulating the mitochondrial proliferation, (e) removing FQs permanently accumulated in the cells (if this phenomenon takes place), and (f) regulating the disturbed gene expression and enzyme activity.
TiO2/Pt/TiO2 Sandwich Nanostructures: Towards Alcohol Sensing and UV Irradiation-Assisted Recovery
Authors: Maolanon Rungroj , Wongwiriyapan Winadda , Pratontep Sirapat
Published: September 2017

The TiO2/Pt/TiO2 sandwich nanostructures were synthesized by RF magnetron sputtering and demonstrated as an alcohol sensor at room-temperature operation with a fast recovery by UV irradiation. The TiO2/Pt/TiO2 layers on SiO2/Si substrate were confirmed by Auger electron spectroscopy with the interdiffusion of each layer. The TiO2/Pt/TiO2 layers on printed circuit board show the superior sensor response to alcohol in terms of the sensitivity and stability compared to the nonsandwich structure, that is, the only Pt layer or the TiO2/Pt structures. Moreover, the recovery time of the TiO2/Pt/TiO2 was improved by UV irradiation-assisted recovery. The optimum TiO2/Pt/TiO2 with thicknesses of the undermost TiO2 layer, a Pt layer, and the topmost TiO2 layer being 50 nm, 6 nm, and 5 nm, respectively, showed the highest response to ethanol down to 10 ppm. Additionally, TiO2/Pt/TiO2 shows an excellent sensing stability and exhibits different sensing selectivity among ethanol, methanol, and 2-propanol. The sensing mechanism could be attributed to the change of Pt work function during vapor adsorption. The TiO2 layer plays an important role in UV-assisted recovery by photocatalytic activity and the topmost TiO2 acts as protective layer for Pt.
Hereditary Colorectal Tumors: A Literature Review on MUTYH-Associated Polyposis
Authors: Kantor Micaella , Sobrado Javier , Patel Sima , Eiseler Sara , Ochner Christopher
Published: September 2017

MAP (MUTYH-associated polyposis) is a syndrome, described in 2002, which is associated with colorectal adenomas, with enhanced colorectal carcinogenesis. This review synthesizes the available literature on MAP and outlines its pathogenesis, association with colorectal tumorigenesis, screening, treatment, and the subtle differences between it and its close cousins—FAP and AFAP. The preponderance of data is collected using MAP guidelines. However, although AFAP and MAP appear similar, potentially important distinctions exist, warranting targeted diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches. We suggest that it may be prudent to screen for MAP earlier than in current clinical practice, as it has been shown that sequence variants are associated with more severe disease, presenting with an earlier onset of colorectal cancer. Finally, we issue a call-to-action for much-needed further data to establish clear clinical and diagnostic criteria.
Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Obesity: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Sun Mingyue , Yao Hezhi , Liu Yue , Gao Rui
Published: September 2017

Obesity is a very common global health problem, and it is known to be linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Western medical treatments for obesity have many drawbacks, including effects on monoamine neurotransmitters and the potential for drug abuse and dependency. The safety of these medications requires improvement. Herbal medicine has been used for treatment of disease for more than 2000 years, and it has proven efficacy. Many studies have confirmed that herbal medicine is effective in the treatment of obesity, but the mechanisms are not clear. This article will discuss the possible effects and mechanisms of herbal medicine treatments for obesity that have been reported in the past decade.
Resource Allocation and Outpatient Appointment Scheduling Using Simulation Optimization
Authors: Lin Carrie Ka Yuk , Ling Teresa Wai Ching , Yeung Wing Kwan
Published: September 2017

This paper studies the real-life problems of outpatient clinics having the multiple objectives of minimizing resource overtime, patient waiting time, and waiting area congestion. In the clinic, there are several patient classes, each of which follows different treatment procedure flow paths through a multiphase and multiserver queuing system with scarce staff and limited space. We incorporate the stochastic factors for the probabilities of the patients being diverted into different flow paths, patient punctuality, arrival times, procedure duration, and the number of accompanied visitors. We present a novel two-stage simulation-based heuristic algorithm to assess various tactical and operational decisions for optimizing the multiple objectives. In stage I, we search for a resource allocation plan, and in stage II, we determine a block appointment schedule by patient class and a service discipline for the daily operational level. We also explore the effects of the separate strategies and their integration to identify the best possible combination. The computational experiments are designed on the basis of data from a study of an ophthalmology clinic in a public hospital. Results show that our approach significantly mitigates the undesirable outcomes by integrating the strategies and increasing the resource flexibility at the bottleneck procedures without adding resources.
Influence of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices on Common Infections among Under-Five Children in Longido and Monduli Districts of Arusha, Tanzania
Authors: Mshida Hoyce Amini , Kassim Neema , Kimanya Martin Epafras , Mpolya Emmanuel
Published: September 2017

The study aimed at assessing water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and their influence on infectious diseases among under-five children in semipastoral communities of Arusha. The study was cross-sectional in design. Prevalence of infectious diseases among under-five children was derived from patients’ attendance register. Mothers randomly sampled from households were interviewed using questionnaire. Information regarding child morbidity and sociodemographic and WASH characteristics was gathered. Hospital data revealed that 2/3 of under-five patients visited the hospitals annually were suffering from infectious diseases. Mean percentage of diarrhea prevalence for years 2013–2015 in Longido was higher than the mean of the respective years prevalence in Monduli (p=0.02). Households’ survey showed that 15.5% of under-five children were suffering from diarrhea. Children who consumed foods kept inkibuyu(p<0.001) or used unboiled cows’ milk (p=0.01) or were drinking surface water (p=0.04) or born to uneducated mothers (p=0.01) had increased risk of developing diarrhea compared to their counterparts. Storing complementary foods inkibuyuwas strongly associated with diarrhea among under-five children. To address the problem, communities under study need to be motivated through health education on food hygiene, proper handling of food storage containers, and domestic water treatment at the household level.
A Novel Analog Circuit Design for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Mhiri Nesrine , Alahdal Abdulrahman , Ghulman Hamza , Ammous Anis
Published: September 2017

A new analog technique is proposed in order to track the maximum power point (MPP) of PV panels. The proposed technique uses the well-known simple functions of electronic circuits. The proposed technique is validated by applying it to boost based off grid PV system. The simulation of the PV system was done on the circuit oriented simulator Proteus-ISIS. A good efficiency of the analog technique (more than 98%) was registered. The variation of irradiation was introduced in order to study the robustness of the proposed analog MPPT technique.
Dexmedetomidine as Part of a Multimodal Analgesic Treatment Regimen for Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia in a Patient with Significant Opioid Tolerance
Authors: Patch III Richard K. , Eldrige Jason S. , Moeschler Susan M. , Pingree Matthew J.
Published: September 2017

Acute postoperative pain in patients with opioid tolerance creates a significant management challenge for anesthesiologists and pain medicine physicians. A multimodal approach is key; however other factors can complicate management such as opioid induced hyperalgesia. We present the case of a patient on large amounts of intrathecal opioids for chronic pain syndrome with opioid induced hyperalgesia after an exploratory laparotomy. Dexmedetomidine was utilized successfully as part of a controlled multimodal analgesic plan and should be a consideration for opioid tolerant patients experiencing opioid induced hyperalgesia.
Third Ventricle Germ Cell Tumor Originating from the Infundibulum with Rapidly Expansive Enlargement
Authors: Yoneoka Yuichiro , Yoshimura Junichi , Sano Masakazu , Okada Masayasu , Kakita Akiyoshi , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: September 2017

We present a pediatric case of a rapidly expanding third ventricle germ cell tumor (GCT). A 14-year-old boy suffered from gradual-onset central diabetes insipidus (DI) and received desmopressin treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed nonspecific findings of the pituitary-hypothalamic axis. Nine months after the initial DI diagnosis, he developed progressively worsening headache. MRI demonstrated a third ventricle tumor causing noncommunicating hydrocephalus, although an MRI 16 weeks before admission did not show the lesion. We performed gross total resection (GTR) of the tumor in 2 stages: a translamina terminalis approach and an extended transsphenoidal approach. The lesion was histologically diagnosed as immature teratoma with some germinoma. His noncommunicating hydrocephalus resolved after surgery. Through postoperative radiochemotherapy (whole ventricle: 23.4 Gy/13 fractions, tumor bed: 27.0 Gy/15 fractions, and 3 courses of carboplatin-etoposide), he has was in complete remission at the 3-year follow-up and has continued his high school program. This case suggests the following: (1) a mixed GCT originating from the neurohypophysis/infundibulum can show rapidly expansive growth in a child with central DI; (2) GTR and adjuvant radiochemotherapy can result in a good therapeutic outcome in rapidly expanding GCT; and (3) the extended transsphenoidal approach is a complementary approach to transcranial resection of anterior third ventricle GCTs.
Assessment of Clinically Suspected Tubercular Lymphadenopathy by Real-Time PCR Compared to Non-Molecular Methods on Lymph Node Aspirates
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Bhake Arvind
Published: September 2017

Background: The diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenitis (TBLN) is challenging. This study assesses the role of diagnostic intervention with real-time PCR in clinically suspected tubercular lymphadenopathy in relation to cytology and microbiological methods. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 214 patients, and PCR, cytology, and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining was performed on aspirates. The findings were compared with culture on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The overall concordance of cytology and PCR, both individually and combined, was calculated. χ2 and Phi values were assessed between cytology, PCR, and culture. Results: A cytological diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, and suppurative lymphadenitis was made in 71, 112, and 6 patients, respectively. PCR and culture were positive in 40% of the cases. Among the TBLN patients, PCR showed higher positivity in necrosis and culture showed higher positivity in necrotizing granuloma. Positive ZN staining was observed in 29.6% of the TBLN cases, with an overall positivity of 11%. PCR could additionally detect 82 cases missed by ZN staining. The overall concordance rate for either diagnostic modality, i.e., PCR or cytology, was highest (75%), and for PCR alone was 74%. Phi values were observed to be 0.47 between PCR and culture. Conclusion: Real-time PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on aspirates offers a definitive and comparable diagnosis of TBLN. Including this approach as the primary investigation in the work-up of TBLN could reduce the burden of TB.
Cerebellar Infarction: Unusual Manifestation with Facial Palsy, Focal Seizures, and Secondary Generalization
Authors: Mühlbacher Tobias , Bohner Georg , Bührer Christoph , Dame Christof
Published: September 2017

Background: Cerebellar infarction is exceedingly rare in neonates, usually occurring after traumatic birth. Lifelong sequelae can result from cerebellar damage with disorders of motor function, ataxia, and also cognitive dysfunction. Objectives/Methods: We report the clinical presentation of a preterm triplet infant delivered by elective cesarean who showed peripheral facial palsy immediately after birth. Results: Tonic seizures with high-voltage discharges over the contralateral cerebral hemisphere and secondary generalization were successfully treated with phenobarbital. Transnuchal ultrasound through the foramen magnum and subsequent MRI examinations revealed infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere. Conclusions: In newborn infants, acute cerebellar stroke may have direct epileptogenic potential.
УПРАВЛІННЯ РИЗИКАМИ В САНАТОРНІЙ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: Hanynets P. P.
Published: September 2017

The methodology of evaluation of functioning of the sanatorium activity management system is proposed. Management risks are justified. For the management quality assessment system, the dual control principle is applied, which allowed to replace the multidimensional model of institution management by a two-level model that to some extent harmonizes the existing system of criteria and indicators. At the first level (managed system) there are criteria, indicators and characteristics of technological processes in the sanatorium. At the second level (management system) there are integrated models, criteria and performance indicators of management structures and operations of the sanatorium.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ КОРЕЛЯЦІЙНОГО ПОРТРЕТУ В ДИФЕРЕНЦІЙНІЙ ДІАГНОСТИЦІ ЗАХВОРЮВАНЬ СЕРЦЕВО-СУДИННОЇ, ЛЕГЕНЕВОЇ ТА НЕРВОВОЇ СИСТЕМ
Authors: Vakulenko D. V. , Vakulenko L. O. , Kravets N. O. , Kutakova O. V. , Sverstiuk A. S. , Lesiv V. V.
Published: September 2017

An algorithm for constructing a correlation portrait of adaptation mechanisms of disease course during medical research is described in the article. The correlation portrait of the arterial oscillograms and electrocardiograms measurements for cardiovascular, pulmonary diseases, cerebral circulation disorders, and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and in healthy subjects is presented.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ МОБІЛЬНОЇ ДЕРМАТОЛОГІЇ. ОСНОВНІ ЗАВДАННЯ
Authors: Yaroshenko O. O.
Published: September 2017

Actual issues of mobile dermatology development are considered. It is emphasized that the mobile medicine should distinguish two major areas that provide mutual influence on each other. First is technology, devices, applications and services for the treatment and care of patients, the second are systems and devices for monitoring compliance with a healthy lifestyle (wellness) and fitness (fitness). There are highlighted the five most important tasks of mobile dermatology, corresponding to five cohorts of patients.
МЕДИЧНА ІНФОРМАТИКА І КІБЕРНЕТИКА В ОХОРОНІ ЗДОРОВ’Я ТА МЕДИЦИНІ : УНІФІКОВАНА ПРОГРАМА ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ЛІКАРІВ І ПРОВІЗОРІВ (ЧАСТИНА 3)
Authors: Mintser O. P. , Voronenko Yu. V. , Babintseva L. Yu. , Mokhnachov S. I.
Published: September 2017

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Low-Dose Aspirin Discontinuation and Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Sundström Johan , Hedberg Jakob , Thuresson Marcus , Aarskog Pernilla , Johannesen Kasper Munk , Oldgren Jonas
Published: September 2017

Background:

There are increasing concerns about risks associated with aspirin discontinuation in the absence of major surgery or bleeding. We investigated whether long-term low-dose aspirin discontinuation and treatment gaps increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods:

We performed a cohort study of 601 527 users of low-dose aspirin for primary or secondary prevention in the Swedish prescription register between 2005 and 2009 who were >40 years of age, were free from previous cancer, and had ≥80% adherence during the first observed year of treatment. Cardiovascular events were identified with the Swedish inpatient and cause-of-death registers. The first 3 months after a major bleeding or surgical procedure were excluded from the time at risk.

Results:

During a median of 3.0 years of follow-up, 62 690 cardiovascular events occurred. Patients who discontinued aspirin had a higher rate of cardiovascular events than those who continued (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–1.41), corresponding to an additional cardiovascular event observed per year in 1 of every 74 patients who discontinue aspirin. The risk increased shortly after discontinuation and did not appear to diminish over time.

Conclusions:

In long-term users, discontinuation of low-dose aspirin in the absence of major surgery or bleeding was associated with a >30% increased risk of cardiovascular events. Adherence to low-dose aspirin treatment in the absence of major surgery or bleeding is likely an important treatment goal.
From South to North and Vice Versa
Authors: Bugallo Finnemann Alicia Irene
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on different aspects of the reception and development of Deep Ecology in Argentina, with special mention to its presence in some expressions of the counterculture in the 1980s. A local academic interest on environmental ethics and deep ecology is also referred, considering diverse publications and degree theses of Argentine philosophers. The article further highlights some Naessian spirit in philosopher’s training, especially when it is linked to field environmental philosophy and experimental environmental philosophy study cases. Finally, attention is focused on the contributions of Naess’ deep-ecological hermeneutical thought as his great legacy for today, when facing the dawn of the Anthropocene.
The Brill Dictionary of Ancient Greek
Authors: Lee John A. L.
Published: September 2017

A critical assessment of The Brill Dictionary of Ancient Greek, in which this recent publication is compared to its predecessors and judged on its merits and defects.
Murder, Anger, and Altars
Authors: Goldstone Matthew
Published: September 2017

A question often left unaddressed by scholars is why the Gospel of Matthew employs the specific example of leaving an altar to reconcile with a brother or sister (Matt 5:23-24) in connection with Jesus’ comments on murder, anger and liability for judgement (Matt 5:21-22). In this article the author argues that Exod 21:14 and the earliest rabbinic glosses on this verse offer us insight into the nature of this connection. Both Matt 5:21-24 and the rabbinic understanding of Exod 21:14 include the elements of murder, an underlying emotional drive, interrupting a sacrificial offering, and the Jewish Sanhedrin. The author suggests that these affinities encourage us to include Exod 21:14 and its interpretation in early rabbinic commentaries in future analyses of the first Matthean antithesis.
Philo, Quaestiones et solutiones in Genesin 4.102 and 1 Cor 10:3
Authors: Cook John Granger
Published: September 2017

Paul’s assertion that the Hebrews ate spiritual food (manna) in the wilderness should be compared with a neglected text of Philo, qg 4.102, in which he calls the manna “spiritual food.” The Armenian translator probably found an expression closely akin to πνευµατικὸν βρῶµα in Philo.
Two new species of Kalopona (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) from Brazil
Authors: DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE CRUZ , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY RAMIRO
Published: September 2017

Kalopona is a small genus with five species distributed in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Two new Brazilian species of Kalopona Freytag, 2015 are described and illustrated: K. insigna sp. nov., from Amazonas and K. sagytta sp. nov., from Mato Grosso. A key to the seven known species of Kalopona is presented.
Re-description of Alburnus doriae, with comments on the taxonomic status of A. amirkabiri, A. mossulensis, A. sellal and Petroleuciscus esfahani (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: MOHAMMADIAN-KALAT TOOBA , ESMAEILI HAMID REZA , ALIABADIAN MANSOUR , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: September 2017

The taxonomic status of five nominal species of cyprinid fishes from the Middle East is reviewed by applying morphological and molecular (COI) characters. Alburnus populations from the Iranian Lake Namak basin, the Zayandeh River drainage and the upper Karun River drainage are identified as A. doriae. Petroleuciscus esfahani, from the Zayandeh River, as well as Alburnus amirkabiri, from the Lake Namak basin, are synonyms of A. doriae. Molecular data support treating Alburnus mossulensis and A. sellal as a single species. As First Revisers we give precedence to A. sellal over A. mossulensis.
Redescription of the monotypic genus Cubacanthozomus (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) and conservation status of its type-species
Authors: ARMAS LUIS F. DE , DÍAZ RENÉ BARBA , BARROSO AYLÍN ALEGRE
Published: September 2017

Some of the taxonomic characters originally argued for the Cuban monotypic genus Cubacanthozomus Teruel, 2007, are unsubstantial. Others were misinterpretations of drawings given in the original description of Schizomus rowlandi Dumitresco, 1973, the only source of taxonomic information on which Teruel (2007) based the new genus. Recently a new collection of this species was made in a small cave about 350 m from one of the caves mentioned in the original description: Cueva de Majana, Baracoa municipality, Guantánamo province. On the basis of new morphological evidence found during examination of two females and a male, both the genus Cubacanthozomus and its type-species are herein redescribed. Cueva de Majana is recognized as the true type locality of C. rowlandi, which male holotype was erroneously listed as being collected in a cave from central Cuba, 600 km away. Additional data are provided on the morphology, natural history and conservation status of C. rowlandi, which is now being proposed as an endangered species.
On the Predominant Nonlinear Response of the Extratropical Atmosphere to Meridional Shifts of the Gulf Stream
Authors: Seo Hyodae , Kwon Young-Oh , Joyce Terrence M. , Ummenhofer Caroline C.
Published: September 2017

The North Atlantic atmospheric circulation response to the meridional shifts of the Gulf Stream (GS) path is examined using a large ensemble of high-resolution hemispheric-scale Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations. The model is forced with a broad range of wintertime sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies derived from a lag regression on a GS index. The primary result of the model experiments, supported in part by an independent analysis of a reanalysis dataset, is that the large-scale quasi-steady North Atlantic circulation response is remarkably nonlinear about the sign and amplitude of the SST anomaly chosen over a wide range of GS shift scenarios. The nonlinear response prevails over the weak linear response and resembles the negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the leading intrinsic mode of variability in the model and the observations. Further analysis of the associated dynamics reveals that the nonlinear responses are accompanied by the shift of the North Atlantic eddy-driven jet, which is reinforced, with nearly equal importance, by the high-frequency transient eddy feedback and the low-frequency wave-breaking events. Additional sensitivity simulations confirm that the nonlinearity of the circulation response is a robust feature found over the broad parameter space encompassing not only the varied SST but also the absence/presence of tropical influence, the varying lateral boundary conditions, and the initialization scheme. The result highlights the fundamental importance of the intrinsically nonlinear transient eddy dynamics and the eddy–mean flow interactions in generating the nonlinear downstream response to the meridional shifts in the Gulf Stream.
Tropical–Extratropical Interactions Associated with East Asian Cold Air Outbreaks. Part II: Intraseasonal Variation
Authors: Abdillah Muhammad Rais , Kanno Yuki , Iwasaki Toshiki
Published: September 2017

Intraseasonal variations of East Asian cold air outbreaks (CAOs) in relation to the tropical atmosphere during 34 winters (DJF) are investigated. This study is a continuation of Part I, which discussed the interannual variability of East Asian CAOs. Two types of quantitative East Asian CAOs, western and eastern CAOs, are examined. Their variations are identified by the zonal integration of equatorward flux of cold air mass (CAM) below 280 K at 45°N over 90°–135°E and 135°E–180°. A day-lagged regression analysis reveals that peaks of intraseasonal western and eastern CAO events are preconditioned by large-scale tropical convection anomalies resembling particular phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Western CAO events tend to occur when the convective phase of the MJO crosses over the Maritime Continent. In contrast, eastern CAO events are triggered by the MJO over the western Pacific. Observations of MJO-related atmospheric anomalies indicate the important roles of poleward Rossby wave trains in affecting extratropical East Asian CAOs. The barotropic Rossby waves develop negative geopotential height anomalies in midlatitude East Asia, which then induce a low-level equatorward cold airflow. Several experiments in an atmospheric model using prescribed MJO-like heating anomalies demonstrate that the Maritime Continent MJO and the western Pacific MJO clearly affect the equatorward CAM flux over the western and eastern CAO regions, respectively. Compared with the western CAO, the eastern CAO shows a more robust response to the MJO because of stronger wave activity during the western Pacific MJO.
Modeling Seasonal Sudden Stratospheric Warming Climatology Based on Polar Vortex Statistics
Authors: Horan Matthew F. , Reichler Thomas
Published: September 2017

This study investigates the climatological frequency distribution of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). General circulation models (GCMs) tend to produce SSW maxima later in winter than observations, which has been considered as a model deficiency. However, the observed record is short, calling into question the representativeness of the observational record. To study the seasonality of SSWs and the factors behind it, the authors use observations, a long control simulation with a stratosphere resolving GCM, and also a simple statistical model that is based on the climatological seasonal cycle of the polar vortex winds. From the combined analysis, the authors conclude that the late-winter SSW maximum seen in most climate models is realistic and that observations would also have a late-winter SSW maximum if more data were available. The authors identify the seasonally varying strengths of the polar vortex and stratospheric wave driving as the two main factors behind the seasonal SSW distribution. The statistical model also indicates that there exists a continuum of weak polar vortex states and that SSWs simply form the tail of normally distributed stratospheric winds.
Seasonal Sensitivity of the Northern Hemisphere Jet Streams to Arctic Temperatures on Subseasonal Time Scales
Authors: Barnes Elizabeth A. , Simpson Isla R.
Published: September 2017

Near-surface Arctic warming has been shown to impact the midlatitude jet streams through the use of carefully designed model simulations with and without Arctic sea ice loss. In this work, a Granger causality regression approach is taken to quantify the response of the zonal wind to variability of near-surface Arctic temperatures on subseasonal time scales across the CMIP5 models. Using this technique, a robust influence of regional Arctic warming on the North Atlantic and North Pacific jet stream positions, speeds, and zonal winds is demonstrated. However, Arctic temperatures only explain an additional 3%–5% of the variance of the winds after accounting for the variance associated with the persistence of the wind anomalies from previous weeks. In terms of the jet stream response, the North Pacific and North Atlantic jet streams consistently shift equatorward in response to Arctic warming but also strengthen, rather than weaken, during most months of the year. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the jet stream position and strength to Arctic warming is shown to be a strong function of season. Specifically, in both ocean basins, the jets shift farthest equatorward in the summer months. It is argued that this seasonal sensitivity is due to the Arctic-warming-induced wind anomalies remaining relatively fixed in latitude, while the climatological jet migrates in and out of the anomalies throughout the annual cycle. Based on these results, model differences in the climatological jet stream position are shown to lead to differences in the jet stream position’s sensitivity to Arctic warming.
Young people’s safety beliefs after a spinal cord injury health promotion and awareness presentation
Authors: Watling David P , Bishara Jason D , Zeeman Heidi
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Adolescence is presented as a vulnerable period for accidental injury, particularly spinal cord injury, given young people’s propensity for risky behaviours. School-based health promotion initiatives provide opportunities for education about the risks associated with dangerous behaviours. In this study, we aimed to describe young people’s safety beliefs before and after a school-based spinal cord health promotion and awareness presentation. The effect of selected demographic characteristics on safety beliefs was also examined.

Design:

A pre–post design was used to record group and time point differences on a range of specific safety beliefs before and after the presentation.

Setting and method:

The Spinal Education and Awareness Team (SEAT) from Spinal Life Australia conducted a health promotion and awareness presentation with 1,410 students aged 14–19 years across 13 secondary schools in Queensland, Australia. Presentations took place in regional, metropolitan and provincial city schools. A survey assessing basic demographic characteristics and specific risk behaviours was completed by students before and after the presentation.

Results:

T-tests and chi-square analyses were conducted to examine time point and group differences in relation to the SEAT presentation and to determine relative risks between subgroups of young people. A total of 705 pre-surveys (50%) and 735 post-surveys (52%) were analysed. Overall, reported beliefs were significantly safer post-presentation compared to pre-presentation (all t > 6.93, p < .001). Rural adolescent boys licensed to drive emerged as a particularly risky sub-group and were over three times (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34, 8.40) more likely than their metropolitan peers to hold less safe beliefs relating to spinal cord injury.

Conclusion:

Findings indicated that the health promotion and awareness presentation increased awareness of spinal cord injury risk behaviours overall and improved adolescent-related safety beliefs. Licensed adolescent boys from rural areas reported little change in awareness post-presentation, further highlighting the importance of targeted health promotion initiatives in rural areas. Extended research is required to further explore the belief–behaviour interaction in this at-risk population.
In Vitro Evaluation of Eslicarbazepine Delivery via Enteral Feeding Tubes
Authors: Reindel Kristin , Zhao Fang , Hughes Susan , Dave Vivek S.
Published: September 2017

Purpose: The feasibility of preparing an eslicarbazepine acetate suspension using Aptiom tablets for administration via enteral feeding tubes was evaluated. Methods: Eslicarbazepine acetate suspension (40 mg/mL) was prepared using Aptiom tablets after optimizing the tablet crushing methods and the vehicle composition. A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to monitor the eslicarbazepine stability in the prepared suspension. Three enteric feeding tubes of various composition and dimensions were evaluated for the delivery of the suspensions. The suspension was evaluated for the physical and chemical stability for 48 hours. Results: The reproducibility and consistency of particle size reduction was found to be best with standard mortar/pestle. The viscosity analysis and physical stability studies showed that ORA-Plus:water (50:50 v/v) was optimal for suspending ability and flowability of suspension through the tubes. The developed HPLC method was found to be stability indicating and suitable for the assay of eslicarbazepine acetate in the prepared suspension. The eslicarbazepine concentrations in separately prepared suspensions were within acceptable range (±3%), indicating accuracy and reproducibility of the procedure. The eslicarbazepine concentrations in suspensions before and after delivery through the enteric feeding tubes were within acceptable range (±4%), indicating absence of any physical/chemical interactions of eslicarbazepine with the tubes and a successful delivery of eslicarbazepine dosage via enteric feeding tubes. The stability study results showed that eslicarbazepine concentration in the suspension remained unchanged when stored at room temperature for 48 hours. Conclusion: The study presents a convenient procedure for the preparation of a stable suspension of eslicarbazepine acetate (40 mg/mL) using Aptiom tablets, for administration via enteral feeding tubes.
Formulary Drug Review: Etelcalcetide
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: September 2017

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433. The November 2017 monograph topics are Ertugliflozin, Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir, Neratinib, Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, voxilaprevir and SQ C1 esterase inhibitor. The MUE is on glecaprevir, pibrentasvir.
Complex Intratissue Microbiota Forms Biofilms in Periodontal Lesions
Authors: Baek K. , Ji S. , Choi Y.
Published: September 2017

Periodontitis is caused by dysbiotic subgingival bacterial communities that may lead to increased bacterial invasion into gingival tissues. Although shifts in community structures associated with transition from health to periodontitis have been well characterized, the nature of bacteria present within the gingival tissue of periodontal lesions is not known. To characterize microbiota within tissues of periodontal lesions and compare them with plaque microbiota, gingival tissues and subgingival plaques were obtained from 7 patients with chronic periodontitis. A sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that species richness and diversity were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, intersubject variability of intratissue communities was smaller than that of plaque communities. In addition, when compared with the plaque communities, intratissue communities were characterized by decreased abundance of Firmicutes and increased abundance of Fusobacteria and Chloroflexi. In particular, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis were highly enriched within the tissue, composing 15% to 40% of the total bacteria. Furthermore, biofilms, as visualized by alcian blue staining and atomic force microscopy, were observed within the tissue where the degradation of connective tissue fibers was prominent. In conclusion, very complex bacterial communities exist in the form of biofilms within the gingival tissue of periodontal lesions, which potentially serve as a reservoir for persistent infection. This novel finding may prompt new research on therapeutic strategies to treat periodontitis.
Retention Improvement in Fluoride Application with Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Kim Y.M. , Lee H.Y. , Lee H.J. , Kim J.B. , Kim S. , Joo J.Y. , Kim G.C.
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to apply fluoride formulations to enamel with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and analyze the fluoride uptake, retention, and acid resistance quantitatively. Human enamel specimens were divided randomly into 2 groups: group APF1, 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel; group APF2, 1.23% APF gel with CAP. Fluoride and CAP were applied to the samples 4 times at 1-wk intervals. The specimens were also stored in artificial saliva for 4 wk to evaluate the retention of fluoride. The fluoride content on the fluoride-treated enamel was measured by an electron probe microanalyzer. To detect the resistance to demineralization, the calcium-to-phosphate ratio of the enamel samples was measured after the application of APF gel with or without CAP, followed by soaking in the demineralization solution. In groups APF1 and APF2, the amount of fluoride detected increased depending on the application frequency, and more fluoride was detected in group APF2 than in group APF1. In the experiment examining the maintenance effect, fluoride was not detected in group APF1, whereas fluoride was detected in group APF2 up to the fourth week. As for the resistance to demineralization, the calcium-to-phosphate ratio of the enamel treated with APF and CAP was higher than that treated with APF alone, and it increased with the frequency of treatment. This study suggests that the combination treatment of CAP and fluoride improves retention of fluoride on the enamel and resistance to demineralization when compared with treatment with fluoride alone.