bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palbociclib - from Bench to Bedside and Beyond
Authors: Schmidt Marcus
Published: June 2016

Endocrine therapy is the cornerstone in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. During the last decades, much has been learned about the subtle regulation of the cell cycle. In this tightly regulated network, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a pivotal role. Especially CDK4/6 is the key regulator of the G1-S transition. Realizing its importance, specific inhibitors of CDK4/6 were developed. The drug most advanced in clinical development in this class is palbociclib (PD 0332991). This review highlights preclinical data and brings into focus early clinical trials that led to an accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment in combination with letrozole in advanced hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials with palbociclib in advanced and in early breast cancer are outlined. In conclusion, inhibition of CDK4/6 using palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy is an efficacious treatment option in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Ongoing clinical trials will show whether palbociclib is ready for prime time in early breast cancer.
Naturheilkunde und Komplementärmedizin in medizinischen Leitlinien - können europäische Normen Leitlinien für Naturheilkunde und Komplementärmedizin verdrängen?
Authors: Jütte Robert
Published: June 2016

Leitlinien machen in der Komplementärmedizin, wie das Beispiel der Naturheilkunde zeigt, durchaus Sinn. Sie ergänzen zum Wohle des Patienten und zur besseren Orientierung des Therapeuten die bislang, auch auf europäischer Ebene, bereits bestehenden Leitlinien, die ständig weiterentwickelt werden. Diese Ergänzung ist dringend notwendig, weil die meisten der vorliegenden Leitlinien einzelner Fachgesellschaften die Forschungsergebnisse der Komplementärmedizin, die zum Teil beachtlich und auch evidenzbasiert sind, zum Nachteil des Patienten ignorieren. Es ist bedauerlich, dass einige Richtungen der Komplementärmedizin jedoch meinen, dass eine europäische Norm, wie sie beispielsweise Osteopathen und Homöopathen mithilfe des europäischen Normungsinstituts (CEN) durchzusetzen hoffen, sie in ihrem Kampf um Anerkennung weiterbringen wird. Der Patient, der auf eine individuelle und bestmögliche Behandlung wert legt, wird jedenfalls davon nicht profitieren.
A Rare Recurrent 4q25 Proximal Deletion Not Involving the PITX2 Gene: A Genomic Disorder Distinct from Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome
Authors: Heithaus Jennifer L. , Twyman Kimberly A. , Batanian Jacqueline R.
Published: June 2016

Haploinsufficient microdeletions within chromosome 4q25 are often associated with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome. A de novo 4q25 deletion, 675 kb proximal to PITX2, has previously been reported once in an adult patient. The patient did not have Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly, but instead had intellectual disability and a complex behavioral phenotype with withdrawn, stereotypic, and ritualistic behavior. Array comparative genome hybridization demonstrated a smaller, overlapping 4q25 deletion in a 2-year-old patient and his mother, both having significant phenotypic overlap with the initially reported patient. All 3 patients have distinct facial features (including mild hypotelorism and subtle mandibular asymmetry), developmental delay, and complex behavioral difficulties. A genotype-phenotype correlation narrows the shared phenotype to a common COL25A1 gene aberration and proposes that the concurrent EGF gene loss has a significant impact on the phenotypic severity. Overall, our patients provide data to support the existence of a novel 4q25 proximal deletion syndrome.
Wing Membrane Biopsies for Bat Cytogenetics: Finding of 2n = 54 in Irish Rhinolophushipposideros (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia) Supports Two Geographically Separated Chromosomal Variants in Europe
Authors: Kacprzyk Joanna , Teeling Emma C. , Kelleher Conor , Volleth Marianne
Published: June 2016

In Europe, 2 different diploid chromosome numbers, 2n = 54 and 2n = 56, have been described in the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophushipposideros). The eastern form with 2n = 56 extends from the Czech Republic to Greece. To date, specimens with 54 chromosomes have been reported only from Spain and Germany. This study expands the distributional area of the western variant to Ireland. Strikingly, this distribution of European chromosomal variants is in contrast to the available molecular data that indicate little genetic differentiation of R. hipposideros populations spanning Northwestern to Central Europe. Further, we have developed an optimized protocol for establishing fibroblast cell cultures, suitable for karyotype analyses, from 3-mm wing membrane biopsies. This is a useful technique for cytogenetic studies of endangered bat species, as this non-lethal sampling method imposes only minimum stress to the animal without lasting adverse effects and is routinely used to sample tissue probes for molecular genetic studies in bats.
Do Inflammatory Indices Play a Role in Distinguishing between Uncomplicated and Complicated Diverticulitis?
Authors: Hogan John , Sehgal Rishabh , Murphy Dermot , O'Leary Peter , Coffey J. Calvin
Published: June 2016

Background: The usefulness of inflammatory indices in assessment of the severity of acute diverticulitis remains unestablished. The aim of this study was to determine whether inflammatory indices and hematological ratios could be utilised to differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis. Methods: Hematological and inflammatory indices were recorded for each admission with CT confirmed acute diverticulitis (101 complicated, 127 uncomplicated). Cases were divided into training (n = 57) and test sets (n = 171). A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was employed in the training set to identify optimal inflammatory marker cut-off points associated with complicated diverticulitis. Samples (test set) were then categorized as (A) greater than and (B) less than CART identified cut-off points. The predictive properties of inflammatory marker cut-off points in distinguishing severity of diverticulitis were assessed using a univariate logistic regression analysis, summary receiver operating characteristic curves and confusion matrix generation. Results: C-reactive protein >109 mg/ml (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43-6.61, p = 0.004, area under the curve; AUC = 0.64) and white cell lymphocyte ratio (WLR) >17.72 (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.95-9.17, p < 0.001, AUC = 0.64) were the most accurate parameters in distinguishing complicated and uncomplicated disease. WCC >21 × 109/l (p = 0.02, AUC = 0.60) and lymphocyte count >0.55 × 109/l (p = 0.009, AUC = 0.60) were less accurate. Conclusion: Widely used inflammatory indices are useful in the depiction of complicated diverticulitis. The indices cut-off points highlighted in this study should be considered at the time of diagnosis in combination with radiological features of complicated diverticulitis.
Ascending Colon Cancer Associated with Dermatomyositis Which Was Cured after Colon Resection
Authors: Kamiyama Hirohiko , Niwa Koichiro , Ishiyama Shun , Takahashi Makoto , Kojima Yutaka , Goto Michitoshi , Tomiki Yuichi , Higashihara Yoshie , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

A 76-year-old woman with muscle ache, weakness of the extremities, and skin rash was diagnosed with dermatomyositis (DM). Upon the diagnosis of DM, a systemic survey of malignancy revealed an advanced carcinoma of the ascending colon. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy approximately 2 months after the onset of DM. The symptoms and signs of DM disappeared after the surgery without additional therapy. DM is an idiopathic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by muscle ache, muscle weakness, and skin rash. In some cases, DM develops as paraneoplastic syndrome, and it is assumed that 30% of DM patients have cancer. Symptoms and signs of DM can be attenuated by treatment of the malignancy, and they reappear if the malignancy recurs. It is essential to perform a systemic survey of malignancy in DM patients, and treatment of the malignancy has to precede treatment of DM.
A Systematic Review of Phytotherapy for Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Koch Anna K. , Klose Petra , Lauche Romy , Cramer Holger , Baasch Jennifer , Dobos Gustav J. , Langhorst Jost
Published: June 2016

Herbal medicine is a promising alternative in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). We performed a systematic review for phytopharmaceutical treatments of ARS. A computerized search of databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus) up to 16 September 2015 was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) were included and assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Seven trials on Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630, Umckaloabo®), Myrtol (GeloMyrtol® forte), BNO 1016 (Sinupret® extract), BNO 101 (Sinupret®), Cyclamen europaeum (Nasodren®), and Esberitox® were included. Risk of bias was heterogeneous. EPs 7630 appeared to be useful in the treatment of ARS. Myrtol showed benefits against a placebo compound, and BNO 1016 and BNO 101 might be helpful; however, there was little evidence for the effectiveness of Cyclamen europaeum and Esberitox®. Herbal medicine might be effective for the treatment of ARS, but given the low number of clinical trials and the heterogeneous methodological quality, further research is necessary.
Impact of a Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 3a Polymorphism on Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Kuijie , Lei Zhendong , Yao Hongliang , Lei Sanlin , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2016

Objective: To investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) gene and the risk for gastric cancer within the Chinese population. Subjects and Methods: A total of 322 patients with gastric cancer were selected as the patient group and 340 non-gastric cancer patients were selected as the control group using the case-control method. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer technology was leveraged to genotype the rs77382849 single nucleotide polymorphism in the eIF3a gene. The demographic characteristics of the study population and other exposures to risk factors were collected. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the risk factors and gastric cancer. Results: A higher frequency of the eIF3a rs77382849 GG homozygote genotype was observed in the gastric cancer patients compared with the controls (63.98 vs. 54.41%, p < 0.05). After adjustment of exposure risks, such as age, gender, smoking, and drinking, the rs77382849 single nucleotide polymorphism was still associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer. When the eIF3a rs77382849 GG homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the GA genotype (GA vs. GG: OR = 0.545, 95% CI: 0.386-0.769, p = 0.001) and AA genotype (AA vs. GG: OR = 0.245, 95% CI: 0.072-0.836, p = 0.025) were both correlated with a significantly decreased risk for gastric cancer development. Conclusion: An association between eIF3a rs77382849 polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer was observed in these Chinese patients.
High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein Predicts Recurrent Stroke and Poor Functional Outcome
Authors: Li Jiejie , Zhao Xingquan , Meng Xia , Lin Jinxi , Liu Liping , Wang Chunxue , Wang Anxin , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun ,   on behalf of the CHANCE Investigators
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

Minor stroke and transient ischemic attack are common disorders with high rate of subsequent disabling stroke. We aim to investigate the role of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in predicting recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome.

Methods—

In the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial, 3044 (59%) consecutive patients from 73 (64%) prespecified centers had hsCRP levels measured. The primary outcome was any stroke within 90 days. The secondary outcome included combined vascular events and dependence or death defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 2 to 6 at 90 days and a new vascular event during 1-year follow-up. The associations of hsCRP with recurrent stroke and functional outcome were analyzed by using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models.

Results—

Elevated hsCRP (>3.0 mg/L) was observed in 32% of the study population. Patients with hsCRP >3 mg/L had an increased risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.98;
P
=0.039), ischemic stroke and combined vascular events, and poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.32;
P
=0.002) compared with those with hsCRP <1 mg/L within 90-day follow-up period. High hsCRP levels also independently predicted recurrent stroke during 1-year follow-up. There was no interaction of hsCRP levels with randomized antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusions—

High hsCRP levels predict recurrent stroke and poor functional outcome in acute patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00979589.
Risk Profile of Symptomatic Lacunar Stroke Versus Nonlobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Morotti Andrea , Paciaroni Maurizio , Zini Andrea , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Del Zotto Elisabetta , Caso Valeria , Dell’Acqua Maria Luisa , Simone Anna Maria , Lanari Alessia , Costa Paolo , Poli Loris , De Giuli Valeria , Gamba Massimo , Ciccone Alfonso , Ritelli Marco , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Iacoviello Licia , Colombi Marina , Agnelli Giancarlo , Grassi Mario , de Gaetano Giovanni , Padovani Alessandro , Pezzini Alessandro
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

Although lacunar stroke (LS) and deep intracerebral hemorrhage (dICH) represent acute manifestations of the same pathological process involving cerebral small vessels (small vessel disease), it remains unclear what factors predispose to one phenotype rather than the other at individual level.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with either acute symptomatic LS or dICH were prospectively enrolled as part of a multicenter Italian study. We compared the risk factor profile of the 2 subgroups using multivariable logistic regression.

Results—

During a time course of 9.5 years, 1931 subjects (1434 LS and 497 dICH; mean age, 71.3±13.3 years; males, 55.5%) qualified for the analysis. Current smoking was associated with LS (odds ratio [OR], 2.17;
P
<0.001). Conversely, dICH cases were more likely to be hypertensive (OR, 1.87;
P
<0.001), excessive alcohol consumers (OR, 1.70;
P
=0.001), and more frequently under treatment with warfarin (OR, 2.05;
P
=0.010) and statins (OR, 3.10;
P
<0.001). Hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and antiplatelet treatment were not associated with a specific small vessel disease manifestation.

Conclusions—

The risk factor profile of dICH differs from that associated with LS. This might be used for disease risk stratification at individual level.
Was Marcion a Docetist? The Body of Evidence vs. Tertullian’s Argument
Authors: Wilhite David E.
Published: June 2016

There is no credible evidence that Marcion was a docetist. Marcion’s alleged belief that Christ was a phantasm is found in accusations made by Tertullian, but these accusations are a form of reductio ad absurdum and not firsthand information on Marcion’s Christology. There are in fact remnants of data in Tertullian’s Adversus Marcionem, which point to Marcion’s teaching about the material flesh of Christ, a flesh that suffers and dies on the cross. Tertullian dismisses these artifacts as proof that Marcion was foolishly inconsistent: he taught docetism, but still accepted Christ’s suffering and death. Scholars should no longer accept Tertullian’s caricature uncritically, especially in light of the overwhelming amount of other second and third century sources that are unanimously silent about any docetic thinking in Marcion. Moreover, much of the confusion in modern scholarship is shown to derive from Adolf von Harnack’s equivocating explanations about Marcion’s alleged docetism.
Monarchianism and Two Powers: Jewish and Christian Monotheism at the Beginning of the Third Century
Authors: Waers Stephen
Published: June 2016

This article examines claims made by Alan Segal and Daniel Boyarin that the Monarchian controversy and rabbinic polemics against “powers in heaven” were connected. The arguments of Segal and Boyarin are more suggestive than concrete. In order to assess these claims, I undertake a close reading of the earliest layer of texts from the Monarchian controversy and rabbinic polemic against “powers in heaven.” After highlighting the salient features from the Monarchian controversy, I examine key Tannaitic “powers in heaven” texts. Ultimately, I contend that there is no evidence that the Monarchians had any contact with the early rabbinic sages and that the similarities Boyarin and Segal recognized are only superficial.
The Long Route Towards a Widespread European Culture of Alternatives to Immigration Detention
Authors: Mangiaracina Annalisa
Published: June 2016

The aim of this article is to provide an analysis of the application by some European Union countries of alternative measures to detention of migrants. Sections 2 and 3 indicate, in line with European normatives and with detention being a measure of last resort, that Member States having ascertained that there are grounds for the detention of migrants, should evaluate whether the aims pursued can be achieved through a less coercive measure which respects the fundamental rights of individuals. Unfortunately, as examined in Section 4, analysis of most European countries’ law reveals an unsatisfactory application of alternative measures to detention. As in, for example, Italy’s case, whose legislation and practice on alternatives to detention is examined in Section 5. In Section 6, the final section, the necessity for a change of culture among the competent authorities is highlighted. For this purpose, the recast Receptions Conditions Directive, which obliges Member States to provide alternative measures to detention of migrants, allowing States to introduce types of measures which are not listed in the Directive, seems to represent a good opportunity.
Resisting Immigration Detention
Authors: Spena Alessandro
Published: June 2016

The aim of this article is to provide a normative analysis of the ways in which immigrants resist immigration detention. After having outlined (in Section 2) some general features that make immigration detention a rather abnormal condition for human beings to be kept in, I distinguish three main forms of resistance to it: institutionalized, non-institutionalized, and anti-institutional. I first spell out, in Section 3, some individual characteristics of these forms of resistance. Then (in Sections 4 and 5), using Italy as my test case, I suggest, for each of these forms, an interpretation of their normative meaning (that is, their meaning according to both the relevant legal rules and their underlying social values): under this perspective, I argue that they represent one of the few ways irregular immigrants have to try to assert their existence and to negotiate some space within our societies. I conclude the article by presenting some comments on the effectiveness of the immigrants’ resistance to detention (Section 6).
China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative: Context, Focus, Institutions, and Implications
Authors: Du Michael M.
Published: June 2016

With the launch of “One Belt, One Road” Initiative, China is injecting vitality into the ancient Silk Road. While China is seen to embrace it as the centrepiece of its economic strategy, the new Silk Road Initiative, if well implemented, is expected to bring forth the opportunity of economic prosperity for both China and the countries in the region. Against the backdrop of the complicated and volatile geopolitics in the mega-regions and the voracious needs for gigantic inputs of resources, etc., however, the operationality of the Initiative is in contrast with the grandiose discourse by the Chinese authorities. In particular, where China’s ultimate target is set to shape a new structure for global economic governance, its ability to lead vis-à-vis its targeted partners’ readiness to cooperate, among others, remain to be tested.
Re-contemplating the South China Sea Issue: Sailing with the Wind of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road
Authors: Hui-yi Katherine Tseng
Published: June 2016

With the proposal of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road plan, China has demonstrated its willingness to connect with the rest of the world via cooperation, by sharing its development dividends. Yet, the soaring South China Sea issue possesses great potentials in dampening China’s ambitious efforts. The Maritime Silk Road plan is one example. The key is how China can conciliate its South China Sea position, which sees a territorialization trend of the dash-line claim, and the projected posture emphasizing on mutual cooperation and common prospects in the Maritime Silk Road plan. By operating the territorialized dash-line claim in an open-end manner along with subtle management tactics, the South China Sea tensions can be pacified, the Maritime Silk Road plane can also take a successful first step by delivering its words of cooperation and common prospects.
Taxonomic investigations on Psoralea palaestina (Fabaceae), a critical species of Mediterranean flora
Authors: BRULLO SALVATORE , BRULLO CRISTIAN , MINISSALE PIETRO , SALMERI CRISTINA , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL
Published: June 2016

Psoralea palaestina is a critical and unappreciated species described from Palestinian territories, and currently treated as synonym of P. bituminosa, nowadays known as Bituminaria bituminosa. Nomenclatural investigations allowed to ascertain that it was validly described for the first time by Bassi (1768) and not by Gouan (1773), as previously thought. Extensive taxonomic investigations revealed that this very peculiar legume is morphologically well differentiated from the other allied known species. Therefore, it has to be properly treated at specific level and transferred to the genus Bituminaria, thus proposing a new combination: Bituminaria palaestina. Based on literature, herbarium and field data, this species occurs in some localities of the Middle East (e.g. Israel, Jordan and Lebanon) where it mainly grows in damp habitats (i.e. swamps, rivers, etc.), differing from other known species of Bituminaria for its ecological requirements. Diagnostic features, micro-morphology of pod and seed testa, pollen grains, ecology, conservation status, and chorology of this species are examined. Its chromosome number is reported. Furthermore, its relationships with the currently recognized species belonging to Bituminaria are considered, and an analytical key including all the species of this genus is provided.
Aureobasidium pullulans from Juncus trifidus L. roots
Authors: OWCZAREK-KOŚCIELNIAK M.M. , CHLEBICKI A. , STERFLINGER K.
Published: June 2016

Studies on endophytes of Juncus trifidus roots have been conducted. An analysis of isolated Aureobasidium pullulans strain is presented. Taxonomical data were confirmed by morphological and molecular data. Sequence of the ITS region has been determined and used for phylogenetic assesment.
Infundibulicybe rufa sp. nov. (Tricholomataceae), a reddish brown species from southwestern China
Authors: ZHAO QI , HAO YAN-JIA , LIU JIAN-KUI , HYDE KEVIN D. , CUI YANG-YANG , BROOKS SIRAPRAPA , ZHAO YONG-CHANG
Published: June 2016

Infundibulicybe rufa sp. nov., is described from Jiuzhaigou Biosphere Reserve, southwestern China. It is characterized by the combination of the following characters: umbilicate to slightly infundibuliform, reddish brown pileus; decurrent, cream lamellae; cylindrical stipe concolorous with the pileus surface. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicates that I. rufa is closely related to I. mediterranea and I. bresadolana. A description, line drawings, phylogenetic placement and comparison with allied taxa for the new taxon are presented.
Alysicarpus gautalensis (Leguminosae: Desmodieae), a new species from Maharashtra, India
Authors: GHOLAMI AKRAM , PANDEY ARUN K.
Published: June 2016

Alysicarpus gautalensis, a new species of legume, is described from Maharashtra, India. It differs from A. bupleurifolius in having glabrous branches, elliptic-oblong, obtuse leaves with ciliate margins and trichomes present on both surfaces, lobes of the calyx ciliate, pods 2–6 jointed, moniliform with a foveo-rugulate surface sculpturing.
Redescription of Alpheus vladivostokiensis (Vinogradov, 1950), a large and conspicuous snapping shrimp from the northern Sea of Japan (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , MARIN IVAN N. , PACHELLE PAULO P.G. , KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: June 2016

The poorly described Alpheus vladivostokiensis (Vinogradov, 1950) comb. nov., originally assigned to the genus Betaeus Stimpson, 1860 and hitherto considered as a nomen dubium, is redescribed based on material recently collected in Troitza Bay in the Russian Far East and Hakodate Bay in southern Hokkaido, Japan, as well as older material deposited in the Zoological Museum of the Moscow State University. Since Vinogradov’s material is considered as non-extant, a neotype of A. vladivostokiensis is designated. Alpheus vladivostokiensis is closely related to A. japonicus Miers, 1879, a species occurring in deeper waters of Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. All previous records of A. japonicus from the Russian Far East are reassigned to A. vladivostokiensis.
A review of the Japanese species of the choragella-group of the genus Morophaga Herrich-Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), with description of a new species
Authors: OSADA YOHEI , HIROWATARI TOSHIYA
Published: June 2016

The taxonomy of the Japanese species of the choragella-group of the genus Morophaga is reviewed. Previously, one species, Morophaga fasciculata Robinson, 1986, was recorded from Japan. In the present study, a second species, Morophaga plana, sp. nov., is described based on adult morphological characters.
Narcine baliensis, a new species of electric ray from southeast Asia (Chondrichthyes: Torpediniformes)
Authors: CARVALHO MARCELO R. DE , WHITE WILLIAM T.
Published: June 2016

A new species of numbfish, Narcine baliensis, sp. nov., is described from the tropical eastern Indian Ocean from Indonesia. It is superficially similar to N. brevilabiata and N. atzi in aspects of its color pattern, but is distinguished from both congeners in details of its color pattern, in tooth band morphology, and in proportions of its dorsal fins, among other features. Narcine baliensis, sp. nov., is unique in having a dorsal color pattern composed of large, circular, ovoid or elongate dark brown spots or blotches on dorsal disc along with more numerous small (about eye-sized or slightly greater) brownish, subcircular spots, with large blotches and small spots surrounded by a very slender creamy-white pattern, as well as in having broadly circular upper and lower tooth bands of about the same width and shape. The genus Narcine is now composed of 20 valid species, but uncertainty remains concerning the identification and morphological variation of some of its species in the tropical Indo-West Pacific region.
A new species of Leptestheria (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata) from Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: PADHYE SAMEER , GHATE HEMANT V.
Published: June 2016

We describe a new species of Leptestheria from a rock pool in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. This species is distinguished from all other Indian congeners by its distinct telson characters and occipital condyle. We also present a comparative table of useful morphological characters of all described Indian Leptestheria species.
Illustrated redescription of Haliplus (Liaphlus) arrowi Guignot, 1936 (Coleoptera: Haliplidae) from the Western Ghats, India, and notes on the closely related H. angustifrons Régimbart, 1892
Authors: SHETH SAYALI D. , GHATE HEMANT. V. , Van VONDEL BERNHARD J.
Published: June 2016

In an ongoing survey of aquatic beetles, the crawling water beetles Haliplus (Liaphlus) arrowi Guignot, 1936 and Haliplus (Liaphlus) angustifrons Régimbart, 1892 were found only from four (three localities for H. arrowi and one locality for H. angustifrons) out of 85 localities sampled in and around the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Digital images and scanning electron micrographs of diagnostic characters are provided for the first time for both the species. Intraspecific and interspecific variation in the elytral maculation of H. arrowi and H. angustifrons is illustrated.
Spatiotemporal Snowfall Variability in the Lake Michigan Region: How is Warming Affecting Wintertime Snowfall?
Authors: Clark Craig A. , Elless Travis J. , Lyza Anthony W. , Ganesh-Babu Bharath , Koning Dana M. , Carne Alexander R. , Boney Holly A. , Sink Amanda M. , Mustered Sarah K. , Barrick Justin M.
Published: June 2016

This study has investigated the spatiotemporal structure and changes in Lake Michigan snowfall for the period 1950–2013. With data quality caveats acknowledged, a larger envelope of stations was included than in previous studies to explore the data using time series analysis, principal component analysis, and geographic information systems. Results indicate warming in recent decades, a near-dearth of serial correlation, midwinter dependence on teleconnection patterns, strong sensitivity of snowfall to temperature, peak snowfall variability and dependence on temperature within the lake-effect belt, an increasing fraction of seasonal snowfall occurring from December to February, and temporal behavior consistent with the previously reported trend reversal in snowfall.
ENSO Teleconnection to the Isopycnal Depth Fluctuations of the East/Japan Sea Intermediate Water in the Ulleung Basin during 1968–2002
Authors: Yun Jae-Yul , Chang Kyung-Il , Kim Kwang-Yul , Cho Yang-Ki , Park Kyung-Ae , Magaard Lorenz
Published: June 2016

This study first detects the decadal variability in the depths of the East/Japan Sea (EJS) Intermediate Water (ESIW) using in situ observations and relates it to strong El Niño–Southern Oscillations (ENSOs). Using multitaper cross-spectrum and cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis, this study found significant coherences at the 99% confidence level and opposite phases between Niño-3 and the ESIW isopycnal depths in the Ulleung Basin (UB) at a period of 14.1 yr during 1968–2002. This suggests a teleconnection between strong ENSOs and the ESIW, the cause of which is explored. When a strong El Niño (EN) develops, the Pacific–North American pattern is intensified by the EN-related Rossby wave interfering constructively with the climatological stationary wave. The amplified wave propagates upward into the stratosphere and breaks, weakening the polar vortex. The EN-related geopotential height increases over the pole with poleward converging air and decreases over the Yakutsk Basin (YB), indicating a negative northern annular mode with the south-to-north gradient balancing the easterly anomaly that responds to vortex weakening. The converged air at the pole warms adiabatically and raises the height as it sinks. This height distribution, including the east-to-west gradient balancing the southward flow, induces the polar vortex split into two with the colder one in the YB where the EJS is closer than from the pole. The EN-related northwesterly wind directing toward the EJS is also strong. Thus, the coldest air with negative wind stress curls reaches the EJS quickly and forms more ESIW, which converges into the UB, causing the observed decadal isopycnal fluctuations.
The Radical Right as Niche Parties? The Ideological Landscape of Party Systems in Western Europe, 1980–2014
Authors: Wagner Markus , Meyer Thomas M
Published: June 2016

The emergence of the radical right as a strong competitor to mainstream parties has fundamentally reshaped patterns of competition in many European party systems. In this article, we systematically explore changes to the ideological landscape in Western Europe by examining whether there has been programmatic mainstreaming of radical right parties due to (a) accommodation to and (b) moderation by radical right parties. We examine positions and salience on liberal-authoritarianism and the salience of economic issues using manifesto data from 68 parties in 17 countries. Our findings provide empirical support for a rightward shift in European party systems: on liberal-authoritarianism, mainstream left and right parties have increased their emphasis and moved to the right. Yet radical right parties have generally remained niche competitors; they are increasingly extreme and more focused on liberal-authoritarianism. Our analysis has important implications for understanding party systems, party competition and citizen representation in Europe.
A Meta-Analysis of the Correlates of Successful Aging in Older Adults
Authors: Kim Sin-Hyang , Park Sihyun
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Successful aging (SA) is a concept that remains without a consensus definition. The purpose of the current study was to explore the components of SA by systematically reviewing factors correlated with SA. We also compared the relative strength of the components by using the meta-analytic method.

Methods:

A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively synthesize the correlates of SA from three online databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and SCOPUS.

Main Findings:

The correlates were categorized into four domains: (1) avoiding disease and disability, (2) having high cognitive/mental/physical function, (3) actively engaging in life, and (4) psychologically well adapted in later life. The domain “psychologically well adapted in later life” showed the strongest association with SA, ES( r) = .482.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study were meaningful in terms of examining the strength of the correlations between the domains and overall SA and, further, providing evidence for building interventions for aging population.
Quality Indicators for Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery
Authors: Puram Sidharth V. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: June 2016

Objectives

to determine national benchmarks for established quality indicators in head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery, focusing on differences between academic and nonacademic institutions.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of national database.

Subjects and Methods

HNCA surgery admissions from the 2009‐2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed for preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Multivariate analyses were used to identify factors influencing quality indicators after HNCA surgery. Quality metrics—including length of stay (LOS), inpatient death, return to the operating room (OR), wound infection, and transfusion—were compared for academic versus nonacademic institutions.

Results

A total of 38,379 HNCA surgery inpatient admissions (mean age, 56.5 years; 52.4% male) were analyzed (28,288 teaching vs 10,091 nonteaching). Nationally representative quality metrics for HNCA surgery were as follows: mean LOS, 4.26 ± 0.12 days; return to OR, 3.3% ± 0.2%; inpatient mortality, 0.7% ± 0.1%; wound infection rate, 0.9% ± 0.1%; wound complication rate, 4.3% ± 0.2%; and transfusion rate, 4.3% ± 0.3%. HNCA surgery patients at teaching hospitals had a greater proportion of males, radiation history, and high‐acuity procedures and greater comorbidity scores (all P <. 001). Multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, income, payer, prior radiation, comorbidity scores, and procedural acuity demonstrated that teaching hospitals had a slightly increased LOS (+0.30 days; P =. 009) and odds ratio for wound infection (1.54; 95% CI: 1.22‐1.94) versus nonteaching hospitals. There were no significant differences in return to OR (P =. 271), inpatient mortality (P =. 686), or transfusion rate (P =. 960).

Conclusion

Despite caring for substantially more complex HNCA surgery patients with greater comorbidities, teaching hospitals demonstrate only a marginally increased LOS and wound complication rate versus nonteaching hospitals, while other established quality metrics are similar.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Harvey Morgan , Bowe Sarah N. , Laury Adrienne M.
Published: June 2016

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO‐HNSF) has just released an update to the clinical practice guideline (CPG) on otitis media with effusion. This common condition is frequently managed by primary care providers; however, their awareness and utilization of the AAO‐HNSF CPGs are unknown. We performed a cross‐sectional survey to assess familiarity with otologic diagnoses, evaluation skills, and guidelines. Only 38.5% of respondents use pneumatic otoscopy, and roughly 50% utilize a CPG for management of otitis media or for referral for tympanostomy tube insertion. Providers predominantly use the acute otitis media guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics. In this single‐institution study, providers are largely unaware of the AAO‐HNSF CPGs and could benefit from additional training, including workshops taught by otolaryngologists within individual health care systems or development of a national otolaryngology medical student curriculum. A more immediate option includes referencing our CPGs on specialty societies’ websites or newsletters.
Are Online Zenker’s Diverticulum Materials Readable and Understandable?
Authors: Balakrishnan Vini , Chandy Zachariah , Verma Sunil P.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Patients use a multitude of resources to learn about Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). The objectives of this study were to assess the readability and understandability of online materials on ZD, evaluate them against the existing criteria, and investigate the relationship between readability and understandability.

Methods

The first 50 webpages from an online search for ZD were analyzed. Twenty‐one webpages had materials intended for patients and were included in the study. The patient education materials (PEMs) were analyzed using 6 readability tools. Four individuals used the Patient Education Materials Evaluation Tool (PEMAT) to assess the understandability. Fleiss κ interrater reliability analysis determined consistency among the raters. Finally, Pearson correlation coefficient analyzed the relationship between readability and understandability.

Results

The reading grade level of the materials reviewed ranged from 10th to 16th grade while the understandability ranged from 31% to 74%. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong negative correlation between readability and understandability (r = −0.62, P <. 05). Fleiss’ κ interrater reliability for the raters demonstrated substantial agreement between the 4 raters (κ = 0.64).

Conclusion

Online PEMs pertaining to ZD are written well above the recommended reading level. Materials written at a lower reading level are more understandable. A wide range of understandability exists among materials with identical reading grade levels.

Implications for Practice

Health care providers need to create new PEMs for ZD that are available online that are both readable and understandable. The PEMAT and readability formulas can provide a framework for authors to create these materials.
Near‐Infrared Optical Imaging for Diagnosis of Maxillary Sinusitis
Authors: Coughlan Carolyn A. , Cerussi Albert E. , Kim James , Ison Sean , Bhandarkar Naveen D.
Published: June 2016

Computed tomography (CT) is the current gold standard imaging for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) but is limited by cost, risk of radiation, and difficulty of being performed in the typical outpatient primary care setting. We describe the novel use of a low‐cost, handheld technology to deliver an intraoral near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength light to optically image the maxillary sinuses. Digital images were collected for subjects presenting with sinus disease using an intraoral NIR light source for transillumination of the maxillary sinuses, captured by a modified digital single‐lens reflex camera. Light intensity contrasts were enhanced using computer analysis and subsequently compared to CT findings. NIR illumination produced unique patterns reflecting different disease states: normal sinus anatomy, mild sinus disease and/or mucosal thickening, and complete opacification of the sinus. Current results suggest that NIR imaging may facilitate the diagnosis of sinusitis in the outpatient setting with minimal cost and no radiation exposure.
Nonthyroid Metastasis to the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Russell Jonathon O. , Yan Kenneth , Burkey Brian , Scharpf Joseph
Published: June 2016

Objective

Nonthyroid metastases to the thyroid gland can cause morbidity, including dysphagia, dysphonia, and airway compromise. Because metastatic malignancies portend a poor prognosis, obtaining equipoise between treatment morbidity and local disease progression is paramount. We reviewed cases of nonthyroid metastases to determine treatment and prognostic recommendations.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects and Methods

We searched PubMed for reported cases between 1994 and September 2013 using search terms as follows: any combination of primary tumor locations and thyroid, as well as the terms thyroid and metastasis. Only unique cases of nonthyroid metastases were included. Combined with 17 additional tumors at our own institution, we found 818 unique nonthyroid metastases, of which 384 had management and survival data available.

Results

Renal cell carcinoma was most common, presenting in 293 (35.8%) patients, followed by lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. Patients were treated with total thyroidectomy (34.0%), subtotal thyroidectomy including lobectomy (32.6%), and no surgery (33.5%). Surgical management was associated with improved survival duration (P <. 01). Locoregional recurrence was less likely in patients treated with total versus partial thyroidectomy (4.8% vs 13%). Extent of surgical management did not have a significant effect on patient survival. Delayed presentation was associated with improved survival duration (P =. 01).

Conclusions

Nonthyroid metastases to the thyroid gland are unusual tumors. Surgical intervention is associated with improved survival, but expected morbidity of untreated tumors is difficult to assess. Site of origin, time to diagnosis, and surgical approach are related to survival and recurrence rates.
Fairy Godmothers > Robots
Authors: Bond Bradley J.
Published: June 2016

The present study, grounded in gender schema theory, employed a posttest experimental design to examine how television might influence girls’ perceptions of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Girls (6-9 years old) were either exposed to stereotypical or counter-stereotypical STEM female television characters. In a posttest following exposure, girls reported math and science self-efficacy, preference for STEM and stereotypical careers, and perceptions of scientists’ gender using the draw-a-scientist procedure. Girls in the stereotype condition reported more interest in stereotypical careers and were more likely to perceive scientists as males than girls in the counter-stereotype STEM condition or a no exposure control. Girls in the counter-stereotype STEM condition did not differ from the no exposure control in any of the dependent variables. Results suggest that onetime exposure to televised stereotypes may activate existing gender schema, but that onetime exposure to televised counter-stereotypes may not have the capacity to alter girls’ STEM schema.
Ex post Value Reimbursement for Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Gravelle Hugh S.E.
Published: June 2016

The paper examines the welfare properties of an ex post value regulation scheme in which a pharmaceutical firm's revenue varies with the social value of its product. The mechanism, which is a variant of that proposed by Loeb and Magat, leads to efficient investment in research and development (R&D), production, consumption, and pro motion under certain market and technologic conditions. The mechanism's attractive simplicity is lost when account is taken of the rivalrous nature of R&D, the fact that drugs can be complements or substitutes, the excess cost of taxes needed to finance the mechanism, and the multinational character of most pharmaceutical firms. Key words: pharmaceuticals; reimbursement; pharmacoeconomics; price regulation; public policy. (Med Decis Making 1998;18 suppl:S27-S38)
Power and Sample Size Calculations for Stochastic Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Briggs Andrew H. , Gray Alastair M.
Published: June 2016

As the data for economic analyses are increasingly collected prospectively alongside clinical trials, many commentators have highlighted that the sample sizes in such trials should be based on the requirements for the economic analysis as well as those for the clinical evaluation. However, issues associated with sample size calculations for economic analysis have yet to receive the rigorous attention given to sample size calculation for clinical evaluation. In particular, no sample size formula for cost-ef fectiveness analysis is available for analysts hoping either to calculate the required sample size at the design stage of a study or to calculate the power a given size of clinical trial will generate for cost-effectiveness analysis. Building on the recent liter ature for calculating confidence intervals for cost-effectiveness ratios, the authors ex plore possible techniques for deriving a sample size formula for cost-effectiveness analysis based on simple combination of the confidence limits on costs and effects. Key words: cost-effectiveness; economic analysis; sample size; methodology. (Med Decis Making 1998;18 suppl:S81-S92)
Judging Normality and Attractiveness in Faces: Direct Evidence of a More Refined Representation for Own-Race, Young Adult Faces
Authors: Zhou Xiaomei , Short Lindsey A. , Chan Harmonie S. J. , Mondloch Catherine J.
Published: June 2016

Young and older adults are more sensitive to deviations from normality in young than older adult faces, suggesting that the dimensions of face space are optimized for young adult faces. Here, we extend these findings to own-race faces and provide converging evidence using an attractiveness rating task. In Experiment 1, Caucasian and Chinese adults were shown own- and other-race face pairs; one member was undistorted and the other had compressed or expanded features. Participants indicated which member of each pair was more normal (a task that requires referencing a norm) and which was more expanded (a task that simply requires discrimination). Participants showed an own-race advantage in the normality task but not the discrimination task. In Experiment 2, participants rated the facial attractiveness of own- and other-race faces (Experiment 2a) or young and older adult faces (Experiment 2b). Between-rater variability in ratings of individual faces was higher for other-race and older adult faces; reduced consensus in attractiveness judgments reflects a less refined face space. Collectively, these results provide direct evidence that the dimensions of face space are optimized for own-race and young adult faces, which may underlie face race- and age-based deficits in recognition.