bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Amplifying Role of Need in Giving Decisions
Authors: Danvers Alexander Francois , Hackman Joseph V. , Hruschka Daniel
Published: April 2019

Hamilton's rule predicts that altruism should depend on costs incurred and benefits provided, but these depend on the relative needs of the donor and recipient. Rewriting Hamilton's rule to account for relative need suggests an amplifying effect of need on relatedness, but not necessarily other relationship qualities. In a reanalysis of three studies of social discounting and a new replication, we find that relative need amplifies the effects of relatedness on giving in two samples of U.S. adults recruited online, but not U.S. undergraduates or Indian adults recruited online. Among U.S. online participants, the effect of genetic kinship was greater when the partner was perceived to be in higher need than when in lower need. In the other samples, relatedness and greater partner need were associated with greater giving, but the effect of relatedness on giving was not significantly amplified by need. Need never amplified the effect of social closeness on giving, although it did diminish the effect of closeness in U.S. undergraduates, likely reflecting a ceiling effect. These results confirm predictions from a modification of Hamilton's rule in a sample of U.S. adults, but raise important questions about why they hold in some samples but not others. They also illustrate the importance of understanding how contextual factors, such as relative need, can moderate the importance of common variables used in evolutionary cost-benefit analyses.
Involving stakeholders in the design of ecological momentary assessment research: An example from smoking cessation
Authors: Soyster Peter D. , Fisher Aaron Jason
Published: April 2019

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a data collection method that involves repeated sampling of participants’ real-time experience and behavior as they unfold in context. A primary challenge in EMA research is to design surveys that adequately assess constructs of interest while minimizing participant burden. To achieve this balance, researchers must make decisions regarding which constructs should be included and how those constructs should be assessed. To date, a dearth of direction exists for how to best design and carry out EMA studies. The lack of guidelines renders it difficult to systematically compare findings across EMA studies. Study design decisions may be improved by including input from potential research participants (stakeholders). The goal of the present paper is to introduce a general approach for including stakeholders in the development of EMA research design. Rather than suggesting rigid prescriptive guidelines (e.g., the correct number of survey items), we present a systematic and reproducible process through which extant research and stakeholder experience can be leveraged to make design decisions. To that end, we report methods and results for a series of focus group discussions with current tobacco users that were conducted to inform the design of an EMA study aimed at identifying person-specific mechanisms driving tobacco use. We conclude by providing recommendations for item-selection procedures in EMA studies.
Symbols are special: An fMRI adaptation study of symbolic, nonsymbolic and non-numerical magnitude processing in the human brain
Authors: Sokolowski H Moriah , Hawes Zachary , Peters Lien , Ansari Daniel
Published: April 2019

How are different formats of magnitudes represented in the human brain? We used fMRI adaptation to isolate representations of symbols, quantities, and physical size in forty-five adults. Results indicate that the neural correlates supporting the passive processing of number symbols are largely dissociable from those supporting quantities and physical size, spatially and representationally. Spatially, passive processing of quantities and size correlate with activation in the right intraparietal sulcus, whereas symbolic, compared to nonsymbolic, numerical magnitude processing associates with activation in the left inferior parietal lobule. Representationally, neural patterns of activation supporting symbols are dissimilar from neural activation patterns supporting quantity and size in the bilateral parietal lobes. These findings challenge the longstanding notion that the culturally acquired ability to conceptualize symbolic numbers is represented using entirely the same brain systems that support the evolutionarily ancient system used to process quantities. Moreover, these data reveal that regions that support numerical magnitude processing are also important for the processing of non-numerical magnitudes. This discovery compels future investigations of the neural consequences of acquiring knowledge of symbolic numbers.
Binding Significance to Form: Cultural Objects, Neural Binding, and Cultural Change
Authors: Taylor Marshall A. , Stoltz Dustin S. , McDonnell Terence E.
Published: April 2019

In sociology, a cultural object is the “binding” of significance to a material form. But, how do people “bind” otherwise discrete elements as a single element? In cognitive neuroscience and the philosophy of mind, this is known as the “binding problem.” Sociologists can learn from research on binding, as it deepens our understanding of cultural objects, learning, and social change. Binding is the process by which a material “token” is assimilated into (or expands the boundaries of) a cognitive “type,” or resists such typification thereby leading to the formation of a new cognitive “type.” Cultural objects are simultaneously types and tokens, and the interplay between them results in a fundamental cultural instability. “Binding” is an attempt to stabilize meaning in two ways: the first, innovating, is implicated in the emergence of a cultural object, and the second, indexicalizing, in its maintenance and extension. However, even the process of indexicalizing a well established type—i.e., the proliferation of tokens—provides the material fodder from which to innovate new types. Attention to binding processes in the production and reception of cultural objects reveals important insight into the dynamics of cultural change and stability.
Do local sex ratios approximate subjective partner markets? Evidence from the German Family Panel
Authors: Filser Andreas , Preetz Richard
Published: April 2019

A growing body of evidence suggests that imbalanced local sex ratios are correlated with social consequences, including the pattern and timing of union formation, fertility and relationship stability. Scholars have argued that these findings can be understood as a result of imbalances in the bargaining power the respective sex holds in male- or female-skewed regions, but they remain vague on the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, the literature implicitly considers individual partner market experiences to be a function of local sex ratios. However, empirical evidence on the correspondence between subjective partner availability and local sex ratios remains scarce. This study addresses this gap by linking individual-level German longitudinal survey data (pairfam) with local sex ratios from population data for different entities (states, counties, and municipalities). Using multilevel regression models, this paper analyses the correlations between a subjective partner market indicator and a variety of local sex ratio measures. Moreover, an event history analysis explored how either indicator relates transitions into relationships. Results revealed that none of the local sex ratio measures, including those for narrow age ranges and/or lower level administrative entities, significantly predicted whether individuals predominantly met individuals of their own sex. Event history models yielded significant correlations between this subjective partner market indicator and relationship formation for both genders, substantiating the validity of the subjective indicator. For local sex ratios, results revealed an additional association between local sex ratios and female relationship formation when the sex ratios were adjusted for age hypergamy. Male relationship formation was uncorrelated with any local sex ratio. Both evolutionary and social scientific reasoning on the consequences of sex ratio imbalances rest on assumptions of subjective partner availability that may not be adequately represented by local sex ratios. Future research should be careful not to equate local sex ratios and conscious partner market experiences.
Rhetorics of Radicalism
Authors: Karell Daniel , Freedman Michael Raphael
Published: April 2019

What rhetorics run throughout radical discourse, and why do some gain prominence over others? The scholarship on radicalism largely portrays radical discourse as opposition to powerful ideas and enemies, but radicals often evince great interest in personal and local concerns. To shed light on how radicals use and adopt rhetoric, we analyze an original corpus of more than 23,000 pages produced by Afghan radical groups between 1979 and 2001 using a novel computational abductive approach. We first identify how radicalism not only attacks dominant ideas, actors, and institutions using a rhetoric of subversion, but also how it can use a rhetoric of reversion to urge intimate transformations in morals and behavior. Next, we find evidence that radicals’ networks of support affect the rhetorical mixture they espouse, due to social ties drawing radicals into encounters with backers’ social domains. Our study advances a relational understanding of radical discourse, while also showing how a combination of computational and abductive methods can help theorize and analyze discourses of contention.
Streambank erodibility and lateral instability hazard in the Manahara River, Kathmandu basin, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Pramila , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: April 2019

The Manahara River, a large tributary of the Bagmati River, is located in the northeast of the Kathmandu basin. Recently, the river (especially, its lower reach) has been excessively mined for sand and gravel. Such anthropogenic activities together with the natural processes have led to rapid and haphazard shifting of its channel. As a result, its banks and adjacent areas are subject to failures and other mass movements. In this paper, the river course is evaluated in terms of its bank erosion and lateral instability (BELI) hazard by considering bank erodibility hazard index, near-bank stress index, lateral instability hazard index, and anthropogenic disturbances.

The downstream reaches of the fourth-order stream belong to a moderate BELI hazard, whereas the fifth-order stream in the middle reach, near Mulpani, falls under a very high hazard. The rest of its fifth-order stretch exhibits a high hazard. An increase in the degree of anthropogenic disturbances increases the BELI hazard in the downstream stretch of the river. Poor riparian vegetation seems to be one of the factors aggravating the bank erodibility hazard in the river. Hence, the restoration of bank vegetation and establishment of riparian vegetation buffer zones can significantly reduce the BELI hazard.
Application of remote sensing and GIS in landslide hazard zonation of Joshimath–Badrinath road corridor, Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Shrestha Ghan Bahadur , Ray P. K. Champati
Published: April 2019

In the Himalayan region, slope stability is a major concern for developmental activities. Generally, landslide hazard mapping is carried out to identify relatively stable areas for infrastructural development. In the present study, a statistical technique, called information value method, was used to characterise different geo-environmental parameters. These parameters were then integrated to produce a landslide hazard map in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The landslide causative factors such as lithology, geomorphology, structure, land use, drainage, and anthropogenic activities were derived from high-resolution satellite images and topographic maps, and the information was integrated in a GIS. The terrain-related factors such as slope and aspect were extracted from a digital terrain model (DTM) derived from the stereo pair data of IRS-P5 Cartosat-1 acquired on 20 November 2005. The map shows that 5%, 51%, 39%, 4%, and 1% of the total study area falls in very low, low, moderate, high, and very high landslide hazard categories, respectively. The Joshimath town as well as A.T. Nala and Marwari villages are some of the most hazardous places in the study area. Similarly, Hanuman Chatti, Benakuh, Dam Site, Lambagar, Binaik Chatti, and Paturi as well as the Govindghat–Ghat and Vishnuprayag–Marwari road corridors fall in high and very high hazard zones.
BENEFICIAL ROLE OF GLASS WASTES IN CONCRETE – A REVIEW
Authors: Mahmoud Hama Sheelan , Tarrad Nawar Mohammed , Ismail AlHadithi Abdulkader
Published: April 2019

Environmental problems have been taking into consideration as serious situation in the modern construction. Reusing and recycling the wastes consider as the only methods to reduce waste generated. However, the applications still have much opportunity for enhancement. This scientific paper review the researches in field of glass waste material reusing in construction application. The influence of the size and content of particles and the percentage of wastes replacement on fresh and hardened properties of concrete are also been discussed.
"SEVENTH VERSES IN BRUSOV’S STROPHIC REPERTOIRE"
Authors: FEDOTOV OLEG
Published: April 2019

"The author comes to the following conclusions by analyzing ten cases of the use of seventh verses by Brusov: 1. These poems aren't cyclizing in the strophic of Brusov poetry either in thematic or in genre forms or structurally. 2. The different strophic models, which have never repeated each other, are used in them. 3., Despite the passionate interest which he had in the most exotic strophe structuring, the experimenting poet didn’t reach the half-sonnet as a firm strophic form."
"ADVERBIAL LEXICS IN THE AUTHOR'S WORLDVIEW OF V.BRUSOV (ON THE POETRY MATERIAL)"
Authors: IVSHINA TATYANA
Published: April 2019

"The article discusses the adverb in the poetry of V. Brusov from the point of stylistic function, semantics, compatibility, derivational relations, as well as its role in the reflection of the author’s worldview."
"THE ESSAY “SPHINXES AND VISHAPS” BY V.BRUSOV: FISH-DRAGONS OF ARMENIA AND CAUCASIAN FOLKLORE"
Authors: TADEVOSYAN TADEVOS
Published: April 2019

"Common cultural space of nations having inhabited different areas since the II millennium BC is confirmed not only by historical and archeological investigations, but also by the data of folk and mythological character. So vishap-stones found in the Armenian mountains, are similar in content to analogous monuments of other nations. At the same time, the Vishap-dragon functioning in various mythological systems also detects invariant identity."
VALERY BRUSOV’S CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ARMENIAN POETRY A CENTURY LATER
Authors: JANPOLADYAN MAGDA
Published: April 2019

The article is about Valery Brusov’s evaluation of centuries-old armenian poetry - both general characteristics and views of the works of individual poets. It is clear that many of Brusov's estimations are unique with deep insight of Armenian poetry. they have not lost the scientific and critical value a century later and are relevant today
FEMALE PSYCHOLOGY AND THE TYPOLOGY OF FEMALE CHARACTERS IN THE VIEW OF V. BRUSOV
Authors: MARIA MIKHAILOVA , ALINA CHUMIS
Published: April 2019

This article deals with female characters in V. Brusov’s short prose works. The author studies in detail three types of female images, as well as their relations and differences. The analysis explains the evolution of female psychology in both historical and cultural aspects, revealing the artistic methods of V. Brusov, who is not only a writer, but also a psychologist.
«APHRODITE’S FAVOURITE» AS A DICTATORʼS IMAGE IN «SULLA», A VERSE BY V. BRUSOV
Authors: POKACHALOV MAXIM
Published: April 2019

The paper views the peculiarities of V. Brusovʼs creative perception of the personality of Sulla, the ancient Roman dictator. On the material of the correspondent poem the author analyzes the character traits and features of policy pursued by Sulla. The paper substantiates the poetʼs research interest to the hero and his historical doings.
THE GENRE AS FORMING FUNCTION OF LOVE INTRIGUE IN DRAMAS BY V. BRUSOV
Authors: STRASHKOVA OLGA
Published: April 2019

Love intrigue in V. Brusov’s plays included in the edition «Valery Brusov. Drama» (2016) is unfolding on the level of rationally oriented relationship, sincere feeling, love game and passion. The types of love dialogues in late XIX-early XX centuries (1890-1920) become more complicated, thus enriching emotional shades and giving additional connotation to the genre definition.
THE BRUSOV TEXT IN THE POETRY COLLECTION «FIRST MEETINGS» BY MARIETTA SHAGINYAN
Authors: ZULUMYAN BURASTAN
Published: April 2019

The paper analyzes the initial period of Marietta Shaginyan’s life and literary activities, the issues referring to the poetic course of «The First Meetings» poetry collection (1909), its originality and imitativeness, the influence of works by Valery Bryusov and Zinaida Gippius. The reminiscences from «Urbi et Orbi» by V. Brusov, the composition of the collection «The First Meetings» have also been considered.
«V. BRUSOV REPRESENTS A NEW TYPE OF A LYRIC POET IN RUSSIAN LITERATURE»: LEONID DOLGOPOLOV ABOUT VALERY BRUSOV
Authors: MOLODIAKOV VASSILI
Published: April 2019

This is the first publication of research notes by a Russian Symbolism scholar Leonid Dolgopolov (1928-1995) on V. Brusov’s personality compared with A. Blok’s one.
Natural radioactive risk assessment in top soil and possible health effect in Minim and Martap villages, Cameroon: using radioactive risk index and statistical analysis
Authors: Nyamsari D. G. , Yalcin F. , Mboh M. T. , Alfred F. G. , Yalcin M. G.
Published: April 2019

The Minim and Martap villages are famous for their richness in bauxite mineralization. Acute respiratory infection, known to stem from 238U and 232Th activities, is one of the main reasons to the mortality and morbidity of the over 40,000 local inhabitants. Radioactive elements in top of the soils of the area are potential causes to this infection. Therefore, the natural activity concentration of radioactive elements in the area was investigated. Top soil samples collected from the village settlement area and some plateaus were analyzed using methods LF700 (for 40K) and LF100 (for 238U and 232Th). The measured concentration of the elements was higher than the world mean value. Samples of felsic volcanic soils and rocks were identified to have the highest concentration of the elements. 232Th and 238U revealed relatively higher activity concentration while that of 40K was lower. Absorbed dose rate are higher in all the samples by a factor range of 1.2–2.1 times greater when compared to world average. Annual effective indoor and outdoor doses, radi-um equivalence (Raeq), internal (Hin) and external (Hex) hazard indexes, and the Excess lifetime cancer risks of samples, are all within the world averages by UNSCEAR.
Features of tolerance among schoolchildren in the context of inclusive education
Authors: Frolova Lyudmila Sergeevna
Published: April 2019

The article is devoted to the problems of spiritual and moral education of schoolchildren through a tolerant attitude towards children with disabilities in conditions of inclusive education in a secondary school. The model of inclusive education is revealed, which is based on the following conviction: tolerance education among schoolchildren in an inclusive education is systematic and complex work, where the participants are teachers, children and their parents, as well as society and its relationship to such children. The difficulties arising during inclusive schooling are represented. However, there are new opportunities for inclusive education for the spiritual and moral education of the younger generation, which have a positive effect on the adaptation in society of children with disabilities, and the spiritual and moral development of healthy children.
Conditions for improving the professional competence of primary school teachers in educational work
Authors: Anisimova Olga Sergeevna
Published: April 2019

The teacher is a significant figure in the formation and development of the student's personality. In this regard, the task of preparing a primary school teacher of a new type is relevant. This article discusses such a topic of educational development in the Russian Federation as conditions for increasing the professional competence of an elementary school teacher. The urgency of the problem is caused by the strengthening of the requirements in all spheres of labor activity for professional training in the conditions of a market economy. The author dwells on the analysis of those qualities that are necessary for a modern primary school teacher to meet the needs of society in bringing up an adaptive, highly intelligent and free individual with basic competences and capable of subsequent adequate self-determination in the professional sphere. The teacher’s figure in the work is viewed as a tutor and facilitator.
Regulatory and legal frameworks of outsourcing
Authors: Iurin Danil Iurevich
Published: April 2019

The article is devoted to the issue of absence of normative basis of outsourcing, the current system of normative regulation of outsourcing activity is investigated, the model of crafting such system in Russia has been offered.
Validity and Reliability of the Persian Versions of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Dehghani Reza , Borhanihaghighi Afshin , Shariat Abdolhamid , Nami Mohammad , Nazeri Masoume , Abolhasani Foroughi Amin , Mehrabi Samrad , Emamghoreishi Masoumeh
Published: April 2019

Background: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) are two valid and reliable questionnaires that assess stroke severity. This study aimed to examine and compare the validity and reliability of Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS in hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: The English versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were translated to Persian (forward and backward), and three neurologists examined the face and content validity of both questionnaires. The Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were used in75 hospitalized stroke patients (hemorrhagic and obstructive) admitted to Namazi teaching hospital, Shiraz, Iran.The reliability and validity of the Persian versions were examined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and convergent validity. Result: The values of Cronbach's alpha for Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were 0.81 and 0.86, respectively. The scaling success of convergent validity in NIHSS and mNIHSS were 80% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were reliable and valid. However, mNIHSS was more valid and reliable than NIHSS. Persian version of mNIHSS can be suggested to be used for assessing stroke severity in hospitalized stroke patients by neurologists and researchers. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1188]
Evidence for the Important ¬Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Acne
Authors: Kardeh Sina , Moein Seyed arman , Namazi Mohammad Reza , Kardeh Bahareh
Published: April 2019

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder which is recognizable by dermatological lesions and scars. In addition to some pathogenetic factors such as hyperkeratinization, upregulated sebum secretion, and immunoinflammatory reactions, recent studies have also connected oxidative stress to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. In this article, we will briefly review clinical studies that interrogated alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers by a systematic search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using “acne”, “oxidative stress”, and “reactive oxygen species” keywords. Overall, studies have shown that oxidative biomarkers (e.g. lipid peroxidation final products) are higher in acne vulgaris lesions. A significant positive correlation has also been noted between acne severity and oxidative biomarkers. In contrast, diminished levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase) have been observed in acne. We propose four probable mechanisms for the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in acne pathogenesis. We believe that ROS can contribute significantly to the acne vulgaris pathobiology via toll-like receptor (TLR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), mTOR pathway, and innate immune system, resulting in inflammation by alterations in the generation of several proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-8, and TNF-a.[GMJ. 2019;8:e1291]
A Cross-sectional Study on Olfactory Function among Young Adult Smokers
Authors: Da Silva Maria Cristina C. , Panganiban Windolyn D.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To determine the olfactory function and/ or dysfunction of young adults who are cigarette smokers using a locally validated smell identification test.

 

Design: Cross-sectional study

 

Setting: Tertiary hospital in Metro Manila

 

Patients: The volunteer study group was composed of 60 male and 21 female students and employees of a tertiary hospital and its affiliated medical school (both in Quezon City). All subjects were young adults within the age range of 20-35 years with a mean age of 27. 58 years (±4.33). All the subjects were currently smoking cigarettes with no medical history of recent viral infection, nasal/sinus surgery, nasal/brain tumors, head trauma, radiotherapy, chronic rhinitides in exacerbation or tracheostomy. Olfactory function of each subject was evaluated using the Sto. Tomas Smell Identification Test (ST-SIT) which is a locally-validated test.

 

Results: Majority of the subjects fell within the 24-27 age group with a mean age of 27.58 years (±4.33). Males outnumbered females 74.1% as against 25.9%. An inverse relation between pack years and ST-SIT score was present indicating that there could be a dose-related effect of cigarette smoking on olfactory function.

Among the 81 subjects, 15 (18.5%) turned out to be anosmic, 46 (56.7%) were hyposmic and 20 (24.6%) had normal olfactory function. A mean ST-SIT score was computed at 81.183 (±}12.58), indicating that majority of the subjects had olfactory dysfunction, meaning they were hyposmic.

 

Conclusion: Smoking cigarettes has become part of the lifestyle of a lot of people in spite of its hazards to health. In the present study, a majority of supposedly healthy young adults who currently smoked cigarettes were proven to suffer from olfactory impairment based on the scores of a locally-validated smell identification test. An inverse relation between ST-SIT scores and pack years was also noted which may indicate a dose-related effect of smoking on olfactory function.

 

Keywords: Olfaction, Smoking,, Hyposmia, Anosmia
Abelardo B. Perez, MD (1932 – 2007)
Authors: Jarin Remigio I.
Published: April 2019

By HOW he is remembered --- and by how much he is missed: this, I submit, is the ultimate measure by which we can gauge the impact of a man’s labor on his world and the import of his life on the people he left behind.

That Dr. Abelardo B. Perez will be remembered, there is no question. The fact alone that he had been in practice for close to four decades guarantees the grateful remembrance of at least a thousand patients whose afflictions he has healed, whose pains he has eased.

Likewise, he will be remembered wistfully by hundreds of what were once clear-eyed, smart talking young men and women who considered him at that time a terror to be avoided at all cost, but who-now older, thinner of hair and thicker around the waist – cannot praise him enough for providing them with the instruction and the discipline to become themselves, Doctors of Medicine, hopefully in the same mold, of the same class as Dr. Abelardo B. Perez.

But nowhere will the memory of Dr. Abelardo B. Perez be held in deeper reverence and in greater love than in the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology which he conceptualized, organized and institutionalized to elevate the specialization to the eminence it deserves. I should think that as the PBO was the passion of Dr. Perez’s life, in his death we should dedicate it as a monument to this gifted Head and Neck Surgeon.

Thus, will Dr. Abelardo B. Perez be remembered – as a long-time medical practitioner, an expert ENT specialist. A stern and no-nonsense professor, a dauntless champion of the crusade to keep inviolate the quality and the integrity of the Diplomate, the founding father and the moving spirit of the PBO and an indefatigable worker in the unending task of healing the wounds and easing the pains of Man and his world.

Yet the warranty of remembrance does not really assuage the sense of loss. It is well and good that the world remembers Dr. Abelardo B. Perez; but the knowledge that it does in no way mitigates the ache in Martha’s heart for the warmth of Abe’s touch or renders less difficult for us the task of administering PBO affairs without his counsel and guidance.

Indeed, the name of Dr. Abelardo B. Perez will long be remembered; but we will still sorely miss the man who looked eternally youthful, who loved good music, fine dining, pleasant company, who took such great joy in beholding the wonders of creation, in confronting the challenges of the world, in living life fully, with a song in his heart, in recognition of its preciousness and in gratitude for its gift… the world will remember the physician named Dr. Perez; we will miss the man we called Abe….
In Vitro Antimycotic Activity of Four Medicinal Plants Versus Clotrimazole in the Treatment of Otomycosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Villanueva Joebert M. , Arugay Marida Arend V. , Ramos Rachel Zita H.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To determine the antimycotic activity of the four medicinal plant extracts, kalachuchi bark (Plumeria acuminata Ait.), atsuete bark (Bixa orellana Linn.), akapulko leaves (Cassia alata Linn.), and neem leaves (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), when compared to the standard clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis.

 

Study Design: Experimental Study

 

Methods: Taxonomically identified plants, kalachuchi, atsuete, akapulko, and neem tree were collected and deposited in an herbarium. Extracts of these plants and the standard clotrimazole were tested against isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans taken from patients with otomycosis. Three trials were made for each extract using different solvents and results subjected to statistical analysis.

 

Result: Of the four medicinal plant extracts studied, only kalachuchi bark extract exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger using methylethylketone as solvent when compared to the standard clotrimazole. It was equally effective in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus and A. niger. However, all plant extracts using all types of solvents were equally ineffective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans.

           

Conclusion: This in vitro study suggested that kalachuchi (Plumeria acuminata Linn.) bark extract inhibits the growth of Aspergillus species and was comparable to the standard clotrimazole. Following appropriate further studies and clinical trials, it may be a potential alternative treatment option for otomycosis caused by Aspergillus species.

 

 

Key words: otomycosis; kalachuchi (Plumeria acuminata Linn.) bark; antimycotic; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus niger
Model Myringotomy Practice Set: A do-it-yourself and inexpensive alternative
Authors: Tuaño-Uy Melita Jesusa Suga , Martinez Norberto V.
Published: April 2019

Objective:       To develop a simple, portable, inexpensive model for otolaryngology trainees to practice on and develop skills required for myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion.

Materials and Methods:       Recycled plastic egg crate, a 3-cc plastic syringe, micropore™ tape and modeling clay were used to create a model to practice myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion utilizing tubes fashioned from a recycled 18 guage intravenous catheter.

Result:            The model myringotomy practice set is an inexpensive, simple do-it-yourself device made of locally available, mostly recycled materials.

 

Key words:  myringotomy practice set, myringotomy, middle ear ventilation, tympanostomy, tympanostomy tube insertion, instrumentation
The Flexmount Ringlight: An Inexpensive Lighting Solution for Intraoral Photodocumentation
Authors: David Michael Joseph C. , Chua Antonio H.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To fabricate an inexpensive, reproducible and portable ringlight with flexible, quick-release mount for use with point-and-shoot consumer digital cameras in intraoral photodocumentation

Materials and Methods:

Design: Instrumentation

Setting: Tertiary Care Hospital

Procedure: A commercially-available battery-powered mountaineer’s LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlight (manufacturer, place) was converted into a portable ringlight with a flexible, quick-release mount for intraoral photodocumentation.

Results: The Flexmount Ringlight delivered an even and white illumination of the oral cavity and oropharynx at a working distance of more than 5cm from the subject in focus. It resulted in sharper pictures due to its constant illumination that assisted the camera’s autofocus system in getting accurate focusing intraorally. It also allowed the camera to use smaller apertures that have put more elements in focus, and faster shutter speeds that have markedly reduced motion blur.

Conclusion:  The Flexmount Ringlight is an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble and portable ringlight that can be used in point-and-shoot consumer digital cameras. Its constant and even illumination resulted in reproducible, sharp, shadowless photographs of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Keywords: ringlight, flexmount, intraoral photodocumentation
Evaluation of Mandibular Fractures in a Tertiary Military Hospital: A 10-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Galvan Grace Naomi B.
Published: April 2019

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate mandibular fractures in a tertiary military hospital, to determine the age group in which injury occurred most often, to examine the various mechanisms of injury, to determine the anatomical part of the mandible most frequently affected and to determine if there were significant relationships between the various mechanisms of injury and the different fracture sites.

 

Methods:

Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study

Setting: Tertiary Public Military Hospital

Patients: Medical records of 328 active military personnel and their dependents, treated for mandibular fracture at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center from January 1999 – December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed for data regarding sex, age, various mechanisms of injury and fractured anatomical part of the mandible. The number of fractures per site according to mechanism of injury was tabulated and prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) and p values were computed for the different fracture sites among the various mechanisms of injury. The probability or risk of sustaining fractures in these sites based on mechanism of injury was then computed.

 

Results: The most fractured anatomical part of the mandible was the body (28%), followed by the parasymphysis (24%), angle (17%), symphysis (12%), ramus (8%), condyle (7%), alveolar ridge (3%) and coronoid (1%). There were associated injuries in 54% of those with mandibular fractures. In these patients, zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures occurred in 25%, head and neck abrasions and lacerations in 30%, head injuries in 28%, ocular injuries in 10%, nasal fractures in 8% and cervical spine fractures in 5%. Other injuries present were extremity trauma in 60%, thoracic trauma in 5% and abdominal trauma in 3%. Males dominated with a ratio of 99:1. Males 21 to 30 years of age sustained the most mandible fractures. Most fractures were caused by vehicular accidents (60%), followed by gunshot wounds (31%), falls (4%), violent assault (4%) and sports activities (1%). Alcohol was a contributing factor at the time of injury in 20.6% of fractures. All cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plating or wiring.

 

Conclusion: The body was the most commonly fractured anatomic region of the mandible in this series. There appeared to be a statistically significant relationship between violent assault and fractures of the ramus, but not between the other mechanisms of injury and the site of fracture. Its prevalence ratio of 3.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.13; 9.74, p value 0.039) suggests that the prevalence of fractures of the ramus among those exposed to violent assault was 3 times higher than those who were not.

 

Keywords: mandibular fractures, etiology, maxillofacial injuries, trauma
Dermal Metastasis from Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Rare Form of Metastasis
Authors: Cañal Johanna Patricia A.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To report a rare form of metastasis from a primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a

creeping form of dermal metastasis.

 

Methods:

Design: Case Report

Setting: Tertiary Public University Hospital

Patient: One

 

Results: A 47-year-old male referred for radiotherapy after having undergone a selective neck dissection for multiple cervical lymphadenopathy with histopathologic diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma and no known primary underwent a four-quadrant nasopharyngeal biopsy which confirmed the presence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Subsequent radiotherapy resolved the primary mass , and a new posterior cervical lymph node that appeared five months after completion of radiotherapy also resolved with additional radiotherapy. He was asymptomatic for two years until he noted thickening of the skin in his left supraclavicular area. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed deep cervical adenopathy and skin thickening, and biopsy confirmed dermal metastatic carcinoma. Two courses of radiotherapy to the affected skin and left axilla where a lymph node had developed resulted in resolution and he was referred for chemotherapy.

 

Conclusion: Dermal metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma is rare and does not present with pathognomonic symptomatology. It may therefore be confused for a benign side effect (dermatitis), not the malignant manifestation that forebodes a bad prognosis. Patients with dermal metastasis should receive treatment, and radiotherapy may play a significant part. Chemotherapy may also play a role in its management.

 

Keywords: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, dermal metastasis
The Dimensions of the Nasal Septal Cartilage: A Preliminary Study in Adult Filipino Malay Cadavers
Authors: Pernia Niña Eliza R. , Galvez Joseph Amado C. , Victoria Francisco A.
Published: April 2019

Objective: This study aimed to measure the dimensions of the nasal septal cartilage in adult Filipino Malay cadavers and calculate the cartilage area and the amount of graft material that can be harvested from the septal cartilage.

Methods:

Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional 

Setting: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory

Subjects: Ten (10) preserved adult cadavers dissected within a period from September 2010 to October 2010. The septal cartilages were harvested and the lengths of the cephalic margin, dorsal margin, caudal margin, and ventral margin were measured.  From these measurements, the total area of the cartilage and the amount of graft material that can be harvested were calculated.

Results: The mean length of each margin of the septal cartilage was 25.9mm (cephalic edge), 22.3 mm (dorsal edge), 21.4mm (caudal edge) and 33.1 mm (ventral edge). The area of the septal cartilage had a mean value of 652.5 mm2.  The amount of septal cartilage which can be harvested had a mean area of 403mm2.   

Conclusion: This study showed a slight decrease in septal cartilage area to 652.5 mm2 and in available graft material to 403 mm2. While this decrease may reflect the apparently smaller noses of native Southeast Asians compared to East Asians and South Asians, the difference in values can also be due to the difference in the number of subjects or in methods of measurement, and further studies are recommended to determine the extent of inter-racial variability.

Keywords: Septal cartilage, autologous graft
Nonkeratinizing Carcinoma of the Sinonasal Tract: A Diagnosis of Confusing Nomenclature
Authors: Rashid Nur Hashima Abdul , Pauzi Suria Hayati Md , Tan Geok Chin , Husain Salina , Yunus Mohd Razif Mohammad , Gendeh Balwant Singh
Published: April 2019

Objective: To describe a rare case of nonkeratinizing carcinoma of the sinonasal tract and review the literature on the nomenclature of its many synonyms.

Method:

Study design: Case report

Setting: Tertiary Referral Center

Patients: One

Result: A 45-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of left nasal obstruction associated with epistaxis. Computed tomography revealed a mass expanding the left nasal cavity with the epicenter arising from the anterior ethmoidal air cells. Endoscopic resection of the tumor was carried out but as there was residual tumor, she then underwent endoscopic-assisted medial maxillectomy via a lateral rhinotomy. A subsequent computed tomography scan showed residual tumor adhering to the ipsilateral periorbita. The patient has so far declined intensity modulated radiotherapy that was advised though she is still under regular follow-up.

Conclusion: Nonkeratinizing carcinoma of the sinonasal tract is a rare entity and there are very few reports concerning this type of malignancy. This may be partly due to its many synonyms, such as cylindrical cell carcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma.  Nomenclature of this tumor should be standardized to avoid confusion and misdocumentation.

Keywords: nonkeratinizing carcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, cylindrical cell carcinoma, Ringertz carcinoma, respiratory epithelial carcinoma
Kimura’s Disease Initially Diagnosed as Malignancy then Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: King-Chao Nikki Lorraine Y. , Castañeda Samantha S. , Sarte Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To describe a rare case of Kimura’s disease initially misdiagnosed as malignancy then tuberculosis.Methods:     Design: Case report     Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital     Patient: OneResults: A 30-year-old male with a 6-year history of gradually-enlarging right infra-auricular mass revealed an enlarged mass in the right infraauricular area and multiple cervical lymphadenopathies on physical examination. Initial fine-needle aspiration biopsy was interpreted as pleomorphic adenocarcinoma but succeeding work-ups and imaging studies led to treatmentfor tuberculosis. Subsequent biopsies finally led to the proper histopathologic diagnosis of Kimura’s disease and the patient was shifted to appropriate treatment with oral prednisone.Conclusion: Kimura’s disease is rare and may be confused with other diseases such as malignancyor tuberculosis. Histopathologic diagnosis is necessary as its treatment differs from tuberculosisand other diseases.Keywords: Kimura’s disease, parotid gland tumor, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia
Extragnathic Sinonasal Ameloblastoma: A Rare Benign Intranasal Tumor with Malignant Features
Authors: Gloria Jonel Donn Leo S.
Published: April 2019

Objective:       To report a case of extragnathic sinonasal ameloblastoma and discuss its clinical features, approach to diagnosis, pathology, and management.

 

Methods:

Study Design:             Case report

Setting:                       Tertiary government university hospital

Subject:                      One

 

Results:  A 40-year-old female consulted for a rapidly enlarging right intranasal mass of 4 months duration associated with recurrent profuse epistaxis and nasal obstruction.  Previous specimens of the mass were histopathologically interpreted as ameloblastoma versus craniopharyngioma.  Examination revealed a pink, fleshy, smooth right intranasal mass with associated nasomaxillary bulge and supero-lateral displacement of the right eye.  Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses demonstrated a soft-tissue density occupying the entire nasal cavity with erosion but no invasion of the maxillary sinus and no intracranial extension despite erosion of the skull base.  The mass was completely excised via lateral rhinotomy and the final histopathologic diagnosis was ameloblastoma.

 

Conclusion:    Extragnathic sinonasal ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive variant of ameloblastoma involving the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses often mimicking malignant tumors.  Diagnosis is primarily based on histopathology but radiologic and intraoperative findings help distinguish it from differentials.  Complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, and coupled with good follow up, may improve the prognosis of patients.

 

Keywords: sinonasal ameloblastoma, extragnathic, craniopharyngioma
Giant Ossifying Fibroma of the Frontoethmoid Sinus: A Silent Peril
Authors: Laxamana Joman Q. , Gutierrez Rene Louie C. , Claridad Roberto C.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present a rare case of a large ossifying fibroma of the frontoethmoid sinus and describe our experience with the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management dilemmas, surgical approach and outcome of our patient.

Methods:

Design: Case Report

Setting: Tertiary Government General Hospital

Patient: One

Results: A 29-year-old housewife consulted with a large left frontoethmoidal mass of 20 years duration causing significant facial deformity, left eye proptosis, headache and psychosocial distress. Initial CT scans and MRI revealed a well-encapsulated mass occupying the frontoethmoid sinus, left orbit and anterior cranial fossa and subsequent surgical management involved three important aspects: 1. Wide extirpation of the tumor; 2. Preservation of the brain, left orbital contents and function; and 3. reconstruction of the facial defect using calvarial bone graft, abdominal fat and temporalis muscle flaps.

Conclusion: A large ossifying fibroma of the frontoethmoidal sinus threatens the integrity of the vital structures it compresses and poses compelling diagnostic and surgical challenges. Adequate imaging, multidisciplinary planning, and surgical expertise are needed to ensure a successful outcome.

Keywords: Ossifying Fibroma, Frontoethmoid Sinus, Mucocele, Orbital Preservation, Calvarial Bone Graft, Abdominal Fat Graft
Transcanal Resection of a Type 1 Glomus Tympanicum
Authors: Arriola Anna Carlissa P. , De Guzman Thanh Vu T.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present a case of Type 1 glomus tympanicum, its clinical presentations, surgical management and outcome.

Methods:

Study Design: Case Report

Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital

Patient: One

Results: A 44-year-old woman with pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, headache, ear fullness and decreased hearing on the right had a pulsatile reddish mass behind the tympanic membrane and Brown sign. Weber test lateralized to the right with mild conductive hearing loss on pure tone audiometry. Contrast CT scan demonstrated a 5x6 mm well-defined enhancing mass in the meso- and hypotympanum. Internal auditory canal MRI showed an avidly enhancing 5x3x4 mm nodule within the right middle ear adjacent to the cochlear promontory and anterior to the lateral semicircular canal. Impression was glomus tympanicum, type 1. The mass was excised via transcanal approach with post-operative resolution of tinnitus, headache, vertigo and improvement of hearing. Final histopathology was consistent with glomus tumor.

Conclusion: Glomus tympanicum tumors are rare, benign middle ear paragangliomas that arise from Jacobson’s nerve, are slow-growing and locally destructive. CT scan and MRI may detect involvement of other structures. Surgical resection is the primary treatment modality.  Type 1 glomus tympanicum tumors are small and limited to the promontory, and a less-invasive transcanal approach may be employed.

Keywords: glomus, tympanicum, paraganglioma, transcanal approach