bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Headbob displays signal sex, social context and species identity in a Liolaemus lizard
Authors: Vicente Natalin S.
Published: March 2018

Animal communication has a key role in animals and identifying the signals’ function is crucial. Most lizards communicate with each other through visual signals with headbob displays, which are up-and-down movements of the head or the anterior part of the body. In the present work, I described and analysed the headbob displays of Liolaemus pacha lizards in their natural habitat. Specifically, the objectives were to describe the form of headbobs, to analyse their structure and to compare between sexes and social contexts. Adult lizards were video-recorded, registering the sex and the social context, classified as broadcast, same-sex and female-male interactions. The form and structure of sequences and headbobs were obtained. To evaluate the effect of sex and social context on the structure of headbob sequences and on headbob bouts, generalized linear mixed models were made. Intersexual differences were found in headbob display frequency and in the structure of headbob sequences. Lizards in same-sex context made sequences with more bouts, shorter intervals, headbob bouts of longer duration and higher amplitude than broadcast and female-male context. Presence of concurring behaviour such as lateral compression, gular expansion, and back arching occurred simultaneously with headbobs in same-sex context. Liolaemus pacha made four different headbob bout forms, and males were characterised by using bouts A and B, whereas females used bouts D more frequent. Sex and social context influenced only the structure of bouts A and B. The results showed that bouts A and B might be multi-component signals and non-redundant.
Platanthera guangdongensis and P. zijinensis (Orchidaceae: Orchideae), two new species from China: Evidence from morphological and molecular analyses

Authors: YE QIN-LIANG , LI YU-FENG , ZHONG ZHI-MING , WU LIN-FANG , CHEN LI-JUN , LI MING-HE
Published: March 2018

Two new Platanthera (Orchidinae, Orchideae, Orchidoideae) species, P. guangdongensis and P. zijinensis, from the Guangdong Province in China are described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Platanthera guangdongensis is leafless and resembles P. fujianensis, but it differs in terms of the shorter and/or smaller inflorescence, floral bract, dorsal sepal, lateral sepal, petal, and ligulate lip. Platanthera zijinensis is morphologically similar to P. minor, but it differs by the ovate-oblong to ovate floral bract, colour of flower, ovate dorsal sepal, oblong lateral sepal, ovate-oblong lip, and curved forward spur. The phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast (rbcL and matK) sequence data support that P. zijinensis and P. guangdongensis being sisters to each other and genetically sister to P. minor. The chloroplast rbcL of P. guangdongensis is a pseudogene, supporting its characterization as a holomycotrophic orchid.
Validation of the names Oenothera issleri and O. issleri var. silesiacoides (Onagraceae)
Authors: WOŹNIAK-CHODACKA MONIKA
Published: March 2018

The name Oenothera issleri Renner ex Rostański was not validly published in 1965 due to the lack of a single type designation. In this paper the holotype is indicated and the name is validly published using Rostański’s original diagnosis. The varietal name O. issleri var. silesiacoides Rostański & Jehlík is validated in the same way.
Two new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Septentrional Espinhaço, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: JESUS JÔANE COELHO DE , ROMERO ROSANA , ROQUE NÁDIA
Published: March 2018

The Serra Geral in Licínio de Almeida municipality, Bahia, Brazil, is a transitional area between the “Cerrado” and “Caatinga” domains constituting an ecological corridor that links the northern and southern portions of the Espinhaço Range. The taxonomic treatment of Melastomataceae in this area revealed two new species of Microlicia. Descriptions of the species are provided, including detailed illustrations, and statements of geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status.
Earthworms from Bursa Uludağ Mountain, with first record of Octolasion cyaneum (Savigny, 1826) from Turkey
Authors: MISIRLIOĞLU İBRAHİM METE
Published: March 2018

Uludağ is the highest mountain (2.543 m) of the Marmara region in Bursa Province, western Turkey. The Uludağ National Park has rich biodiversity in terms of fauna and flora. Habitats of the park range from maquis on the lower slopes, through deciduous woodland and beech and fir forest to alpine meadows at the highest elevations. The first earthworm records from the Uludağ Mountain were done by Zicsi (1973). His work was continued by Omodeo and Rota (1989, 1991). Species records in these works were based on limited sampling. The current study is the first comprehensive study of earthworms in the Uludağ Mountain area.
A new species, and a new distribution record for the genus Sympleurotis Bates, 1881 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) from Mexico
Authors: NOGUERA FELIPE A. , GUTIÉRREZ NAYELI , MONNÉ MIGUEL A.
Published: March 2018

A new species of the genus Sympleurotis Bates from Jalisco, Mexico is described and illustrated. Details of a new state record of Sympleurotis rudis Bates, 1881 from Chiapas, Mexico is also included.
The state of systematics of North American Baetis Leach, 1815 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), with recommendations for identification of larvae
Authors: WEBB J.M. , JACOBUS LUKE M. , SULLIVAN S.P.
Published: March 2018

The North American species of Baetis Leach (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) are reviewed. Nearly one-third of species are either unknown or inadequately described in the larval stage, a fact not reflected in most keys or standard taxonomic efforts for bioassessment, which typically recommend species-level identifications of larvae. Furthermore, our new observations indicate that some previously published stage associations should be viewed as only tentative, and molecular evidence suggests that current species taxonomy does not reflect biological species. In order to acknowledge these deficiencies, but at the same time provide a degree of higher taxonomic resolution beyond the genus level, we recommend a scheme for identifications incorporating previously established species groups and the species complexes and species included within them. Species complexes are proposed for instances when there are either multiple species that cannot be differentiated in the larval stage or when multiple lines of evidence indicate more than one actual species is included in a single species concept. Complexes include B. flavistriga complex (B. flavistriga McDunnough + B. phoebus McDunnough + B. rusticans McDunnough), B. intercalaris complex (B. intercalaris McDunnough), B. vernus complex (B. brunneicolor McDunnough + B. vernus Curtis), B. bicaudatus complex (B. bicaudatus Dodds), B. tricaudatus complex (B. tricaudatus Dodds), and B. piscatoris complex (B. piscatoris Traver + B. palisadi Mayo + B. persecutus McDunnough [=B. persecutor McCafferty n. obj. syn]). A new larval identification key incorporating the B. piscatoris complex is provided.
On the taxonomy of the genera Planovalvata Dubatolov & Kishida, Stigmatophora Staudinger and Pseudomiltochrista Dubatolov & Bucsek, with description of one new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V. , KISHIDA YASUNORI
Published: March 2018

The type species of the genus Planovalvata Dubatolov & Kishida, 2012, previously incorrectly identified as Eugoa roseivena Hampson, 1894, is described as new: Planovalvata confusa Volynkin, Dubatolov & Kishida, sp. nov. Taxonomic placement of the genera Planovalvata and Pseudomiltochrista Dubatolov & Bucsek, 2016 is clarified. The combination is revised: Stigmatophora roseivena (Hampson, 1894), comb. rev. Pseudomiltochrista is synonymized with Stigmatophora and downgraded to a subgenus level. One new combination is established: Stigmatophora (Pseudomiltochrista) zolotuhini (Dubatolov & Bucsek, 2016), comb. nov. Male and female genitalia of S. roseivena are illustrated and described for the first time.
A Performance Evaluation of the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Fan Penglei , Zheng Dong , Zhang Yijun , Gu Shanqiang , Zhang Wenjuan , Yao Wen , Yan Biwu , Xu Yongbin
Published: March 2018

A systematic evaluation of the performance of the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) over the Tibetan Plateau is conducted using data from the Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Location System (CGLLS) developed by the State Grid Corporation of China for 2013–15 and lightning data from the satellite-based Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) for 2014–15. The average spatial location separation magnitudes in the midsouthern Tibetan Plateau (MSTP) region between matched WWLLN and CGLLS strokes and over the whole Tibetan Plateau between matched WWLLN and LIS flashes were 9.97 and 10.93 km, respectively. The detection efficiency (DE) of the WWLLN rose markedly with increasing stroke peak current, and the mean stroke peak currents of positive and negative cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning detected by the WWLLN in the MSTP region were 62.43 and −56.74 kA, respectively. The duration, area, and radiance of the LIS flashes that were also detected by the WWLLN were 1.27, 2.65, and 4.38 times those not detected by the WWLLN. The DE of the WWLLN in the MSTP region was 9.37% for CG lightning and 2.58% for total lightning. Over the Tibetan Plateau, the DE of the WWLLN for total lightning was 2.03%. In the MSTP region, the CG flash data made up 71.98% of all WWLLN flash data. Based on the abovementioned results, the ratio of intracloud (IC) lightning to CG lightning in the MSTP region was estimated to be 4.05.
Using an Object-Based Approach to Quantify the Spatial Structure of Reflectivity Regions in Hurricane Isabel (2003). Part I: Comparisons between Radar Observations and Model Simulations
Authors: Matyas Corene J. , Zick Stephanie E. , Tang Jingyin
Published: March 2018

When a hurricane undergoes extratropical transition (ET), its rainbands evolve from a circular and compact shape to a more elongated, fragmented, and dispersed configuration with an exposed circulation center. This study calculates five metrics to measure these spatial changes in reflectivity regions as Hurricane Isabel (2003) underwent ET. A mosaic of observations from the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) network is compared to reflectivity simulated by the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) Model. Six simulations are performed by varying the cumulus and microphysics parameterizations to produce a range of reflectivity configurations. A bias correction is applied to model-simulated reflectivity prior to the calculation of spatial metrics because lower reflectivity values are generally underrepresented, while higher values are generally overrepresented. However, the simulation with Kain–Fritsch cumulus and Morrison two-moment microphysics overpredicts reflectivity by 3–4 dBZ at all levels. We demonstrate that the spatial metrics effectively capture structural changes as reflectivity regions became more fragmented and dispersed and the center became more exposed. In this case study, the results were more sensitive to the choice of cumulus physics, compared with the choice of microphysics. The Kain–Fritsch simulations produce shapes that are too circular and solid when compared with WSR-88D observations, as the hurricanes lack distinct outer rainbands. Simulations with Tiedtke cumulus produce an elongated main reflectivity region as in WSR-88D, but with separate inner and outer rainbands that are too dispersed and fragmented. These results demonstrate the value in measuring spatial patterns rather than assessing model performance using visual inspection alone.
Validation of a two-factor model of the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment of literacy and numeracy
Authors: Harris Felicity , Smith Maxwell , Laurens Kristin R , Green Melissa J , Tzoumakis Stacy , Kariuki Maina , Carr Vaughan J
Published: March 2018

This study examined the structure of the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment (Best Start) of literacy and numeracy, with the aim of confirming a two-factor measure of attainment at school entry comparable in structure to standardised measures of literacy and numeracy administered in later school years. Administrative data from the 2009 Best Start were obtained from the New South Wales Department of Education for 37,734 children aged ∼5 years (i.e. as they entered their first year of compulsory schooling) as part of the New South Wales Child Development Study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on the 11 Best Start scales using a split half methodology, with the findings supporting a two-factor solution underpinning literacy and numeracy attainment. The availability of this two-factor Best Start measure of literacy and numeracy at school entry, which precedes the repeated national assessments conducted later in the primary and high school years, facilitates research to examine pathways of academic performance over time.
Circular Economy, 3D Printing, and the Biosphere Rules
Authors: Unruh Gregory
Published: March 2018

This article applies the Biosphere Rules—a biomimicry-inspired management framework for circular economy initiatives—to the emerging field of additive manufacturing and three-dimensional (3D) Printing, which are revolutionizing industrial sectors from medical devices to spare parts. They are also potentially keys in the emergence of a true circular economy that will bring about environmentally sustainable manufacturing. This article lays out an established strategy that can guide managers and policy makers in pursuit of a cradle-to-cradle economy.
Effect of degree of cure on viscoplastic shear strain development in layers of [45/−45]s glass fibre/ epoxy resin composites
Authors: Pupure Liva , Saseendran Sibin , Varna Janis , Basso Margherita
Published: March 2018

Effect of degree of cure on irreversible (viscoplastic) shear strain development in layers of glass fibre/ epoxy resin (LY5052 epoxy resin) [+45 °/−45 °]s laminate is studied performing a sequence of constant stress creep and viscoelastic strain recovery tests. For fixed values of degree of cure in range from 79.7% to 100%, the viscoplastic strains were measured as dependent on time and stress and Zapa's integral representation was used to characterize the observed behaviour. It is shown that at all degrees of cure the viscoplastic behaviour can be described by Zapa's model with parameters dependent on degree of cure. It is shown that for degree of cure lower than 80% the viscoplastic strains grow much faster and are much more sensitive to the increase of the applied shear stress. These irreversible strains developing in the final phase of the curing can significantly alter the residual stress state in the composite structure.
A Meta-Analysis of Schema Instruction Implemented in Single-Case Experimental Designs
Authors: Peltier Corey J. , Vannest Kimberly J. , Marbach Josh J.
Published: March 2018

Identifying mathematical interventions that practitioners can implement to improve the mathematical problem solving (PS) of students is a need for the field. Literature on the PS performance of students with disabilities has grown; recently, schema instruction (SI) has been suggested as an evidence-based practice. The purpose of this study was to meta-analyze single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) that implemented SI with students identified with disabilities. A total of 16 studies, with 61 students identified with disabilities met the inclusion criteria. Tau U was used to report intervention effects; this decision was made because it is more robust than other nonoverlap methods and is frequently reported in published meta-analyses of SCEDs. Moderator analyses included grade of participants, use of technology, disability category, and the type of problems taught. The weighted aggregated Tau U was 88.29% (90% confidence interval [CI] = [80.5%, 96.1%]). Moderator analysis and implications for practice are discussed.
Price interrelationships in the EU cow milk markets
Authors: Fousekis Panos
Published: March 2018

This work evaluates the integration of cow milk markets in the European Union (EU) using monthly wholesale prices from 16 member states over 2003 to 2017 and rank-based cointegration techniques. The empirical results suggest that the degree of spatial market integration is high since the prices in 13 of the 16 national markets move to a large extent in sync with the average EU price for cow milk. Exceptions are the prices in Poland, Portugal and Lithuania. It appears that the differences in price dynamics may be associated with the time of accession to the EU, with Eurozone membership and with country-specific factors such as the availability of substitute commodities.
The limits to bridging social capital: Power, social context and the theory of Robert Putnam
Authors: Gelderblom Derik
Published: March 2018

Although there is general agreement on the definition of social capital as the benefits to be derived from social connections, the type of advantages (more effective transacting across all fields versus contacts for personal advantage) and the beneficiaries (community versus individual) identified by social capital scholars differ. This variety can be addressed with a distinction between the so-called schools of cooperation and competition. This article focuses on the former, particularly the work of Robert Putnam. The author uses Nicos Mouzelis’s critique of rational choice theory, and his distinction between micro and macro actors, as a diagnostic tool to highlight the shortcomings of Putnam’s work and the cooperation school more generally. The author argues that Putnam’s notion of bridging social capital as a solution to problems of intolerance and more general social ills is overblown, given that both diverse social networks and increasing tolerance are the result of deeper social processes not analysed by Putnam. In support of this, the article lists a number of ways in which macro actors influence the ability of social networks to form, and once formed, constrain and enable their agency in either a cooperative or competitive direction. It also criticises the tendency of cooperation theorists to generalise the solution of the collective action problem on the micro level to the macro level. Finally, the article emphasises the importance of analysing the interaction between different collective action problems, as well as the connection between cooperation and competition.
Study on the structure formation and heat treatment of helical auxetic complex yarn
Authors: Liu Sai , Pan Xingxing , Zheng Dongming , Du Zhaoqun , Liu Gui , Yang Shu
Published: March 2018

Currently, auxetic yarns consisting of a core filament and a wrap filament are generally utilized as complex materials, which are attributed to residual torque. Thus, the main content dealt with in this paper was to analyze the structure formation and effect of heat treatment of helical auxetic complex yarn spun by a modified ring-spinning system. Firstly, an orthogonal experiment with three factors and three levels was carried out to study the effects of diameter ratio, yarn twists and initial helical angle on the structure and Poisson’s ratio of complex yarn. Secondly, a heat treatment process with polyamide filament with low melting point (80℃) was conducted to improve the structural stability of auxetic complex yarn. It was found that the heat treatment process can not only improve the structural stability of complex yarn, but also promote the expansion effect. By comparing experimental and theoretical results, it was found that the variation of Poisson’s ratio with axial strain had good consistency. Therefore, the heat treatment method can effectively solve the slippage problem of helical auxetic complex yarn.
Awareness of Hearing Loss in Older Adults: Results of a Survey Conducted in 500 Subjects Across 5 European Countries as a Basis for an Online Awareness Campaign
Authors: D’Haese Patrick S. C. , De Bodt Marc , Van Rompaey Vincent , Van de Heyning Paul
Published: March 2018

The objectives of this study were to assess the factors which contribute to individuals’ health motivation to address hearing loss and to gather baseline data that could then be used to measure the impact of an awareness campaign. An online questionnaire with 13 closed set questions was completed by 100 subjects in each country including Austria, Germany, France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The questionnaire was based around the Health Belief Model, which describes how, in order to take action to address a medical problem, the individual must perceive that the condition presents a threat to their well-being that exceeds any barriers to treatment. Good hearing was regarded as being important in all countries. There was agreement that the main sign of hearing loss was turning up the TV or radio. In most countries, hearing aids were thought to be not particularly visible, not require much maintenance, a hindrance while doing sport, and must be removed before bed. Perceptions of hearing implants were that they were permanently fitted, not externally visible, and do not need to be removed before bed. Medical issues were mostly researched through a doctor and then via the Internet. In this sample, there was a good understanding of the consequences and signs of hearing loss, but although hearing implants were viewed as being different to hearing aids, there was little understanding that the external speech processor was similar to a hearing aid in its physical characteristics. When actions were taken, the key professionals consulted about hearing problems were the general practitioner and ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Bridging bonds: Latvian migrants’ interpersonal ties on social networking sites
Authors: Bucholtz Ianis
Published: March 2018

Conflicting accounts exist regarding the influence of online-based communication platforms on the development of cross-border migrants’ networks. It has been reported that such platforms can either promote migrants’ participation in the host society or support secluded ethnic networks at the expense of developing ties with the local population. This article examines this issue through the analysis of the accumulation of online-based social capital among first-generation Latvian migrants. The study is based on interviews with 20 Latvians living in other countries who are frequent users of social networking sites and a survey of Latvian migrants ( N = 14,068). Migrants use social networking sites to maintain ties with friends and relatives in Latvia and also to broaden their networks and enable access to relevant information and contacts. Rather than interpreting social networking site-mediated communication among migrants as the accumulation of either bridging or bonding social capital, this article highlights the limitations of construing this pair of concepts as a binary opposition. In their online connections, Latvian migrants develop ‘dispersed ties’ – a bonding connection with fellow Latvians as a group and simultaneously bridging connections with individual members of the group, which increase heterogeneity of their networks and serve instrumental functions.
Voice and Swallowing Outcomes of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Comparing Younger Adult and Geriatric Patients
Authors: Bonilla‐Velez Juliana , Small Mariah , Bonilla‐Escobar Francisco J. , Sharum Matthew , Tulunay‐Ugur Ozlem E.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare voice and swallowing outcomes after treatment in younger adult (<65 years) and geriatric (≥65 years) patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

The cases of patients presenting to a tertiary voice clinic with UVFP between June 2005 and February 2015 were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes in a geriatric subset were compared with those in younger adult group.

Results

A total of 206 patients met our inclusion criteria (n = 110, <65 years; n = 96, ≥65 years). Etiology was most commonly iatrogenic (59.2%), and computed tomography led to diagnosis for 62.3% of patients for whom it was obtained. The Voice Handicap Index improved on average by 31.3 points after treatment (P <. 001), with equal improvement between the patient subsets (P =. 71). Swallowing, as objectively assessed by the National Outcomes Measurement System for modified barium swallow, showed a statistically significant improvement in the patient population as a whole (–0.9, P =. 02) but was not significantly different within the subgroups (younger, P =. 07; geriatric, P =. 25).

Conclusion

Geriatric patients have similar voice and swallowing outcomes as younger adults and should be treated equally aggressive.
Achieving a Successful Closure of an Anterior Tympanic Membrane Perforation: Evidence‐Based Systematic Review
Authors: Visvanathan Vikranth , Vallamkondu Vamsidhar , Bhimrao Sanjiv K.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Surgical repair of a tympanic membrane perforation is a common otologic procedure. However, achieving a successful closure can be challenging, especially if the anterior margin of the tympanic membrane is involved. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on evidence published in closure of anterior tympanic membrane perforations.

Data Sources

The following data sources were searched: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1997 to August, 3 2017), MEDLINE (February 1948 to August 3, 2017), and Embase (1975 to August 3, 2017).

Data Extraction

Two authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses) guidelines were followed. For the purpose of this study, the inclusion criteria were as follows; (1) studies reporting surgical technique for closure of anterior tympanic membrane perforations, (2) primary cases only, (3) articles published in the English language, (4) minimum 6‐month follow‐up, and (5) recorded pre‐ and postoperative audiometry. The exclusion criteria were non–English language articles, revision surgery, and no audiometric outcomes.

Results

On initial search, a total of 181 articles were identified (PubMed, n = 136; Cochrane, n = 28; Embase, n = 17). Based on the criteria, 136 articles were excluded. Full text of 45 articles was reviewed, and a further 24 articles were excluded. A total of 21 articles fulfilled the criteria for study inclusion.

Conclusions

All published evidence is level 4. High‐quality controlled studies are required to determine the most effective method for closure of anterior tympanic membrane perforation.
Management of Parotid Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Regional Recurrence Rates and Survival
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Ruskin Olivia , McDowell Lachlan J. , Magarey Matthew , Kleid Stephen , Dixon Benjamin J.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Extent of parotidectomy and neck dissection for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) to the parotid is debated. We describe our experience, analyzing outcomes (overall survival and regional recurrence) associated with surgical extent and adjuvant treatment.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study of parotidectomy with or without neck dissection for metastatic cSCC.

Setting

A tertiary referral cancer center in Australia.

Subjects and Methods

The study group consisted of patients with metastatic cSCC involving the parotid gland who underwent a curative‐intent parotidectomy (superficial or total), with or without neck dissection, between 2003 and 2014. Demographic and clinical data, treatment modalities, and outcome parameters were collected from the electronic institutional database.

Results

Of 78 patients, 65 underwent superficial parotidectomy. Median follow‐up was 6.5 years. Sixty‐four patients (82%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Cervical lymph nodes were involved in 6 (24%) elective neck dissections. Involved preauricular, facial, external jugular, and occipital nodes occurred in 36.9%. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with improved 5‐year survival—50% (95% CI, 36%‐69%) versus 20% (95% CI, 6%‐70%)—and improved 2‐year regional control: 89% (95% CI, 67%‐100%) versus 40% (95% CI, 14%‐100%). The ipsilateral parotid bed recurrence rate was 3.7% for those who received adjuvant radiotherapy and 27% for those who did not receive radiotherapy.

Conclusion

This study supports surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy as a standard of care for metastatic cSCC. The low incidence of parotid bed recurrence with this approach suggests that routine elective deep lobe resection may not be required.
Protective effects of sulforaphane in experimental vascular cognitive impairment: Contribution of the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Mao Leilei , Yang Tuo , Li Xin , Lei Xia , Sun Yang , Zhao Yongfang , Zhang Wenting , Gao Yanqin , Sun Baoliang , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2018

The major pathophysiological process of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is chronic cerebral ischemia, which causes disintegration of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), neuronal death, and white matter injury. This study aims to test whether sulforaphane (Sfn), a natural activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), reduces the chronic ischemic injury and cognitive dysfunction after VCI. Experimental VCI was induced in rats by permanent occlusion of both common carotid arteries for six weeks. This procedure caused notable neuronal death in the cortex and hippocampal CA1, myelin loss in the corpus callosum and hippocampal fimbria, accumulation of myelin debris in the corpus callosum, and remarkable cognitive impairment. Sfn treatment alleviated these ischemic injuries and the cognitive dysfunction. Sfn-mediated neuroprotection was associated with enhanced activation of Nrf2 and upregulation of heme oxygenase 1. Sfn also reduced neuronal and endothelial death and maintained the integrity of BBB after oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro in an Nrf2 dependent manner. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown in endothelial cells decreased claudin-5 protein expression with downregulated claudin-5 promoter activity, suggesting that claudin-5 might be a target gene of Nrf2. Our results demonstrate that Sfn provides robust neuroprotection against chronic brain ischemic injury and may be a promising agent for VCI treatment.
Establishing the Value of Diagnostic and Prognostic Tests in Health Technology Assessment
Authors: Soares Marta O. , Walker Simon , Palmer Stephen J. , Sculpher Mark J.
Published: March 2018

In recent years, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes specific to diagnostics and prognostic tests have been created in response to the increased pressure on health systems to decide not only which tests should be used in practice but also the best way to proceed, clinically, from the information they provide. These technologies differ in the way value is accrued to the population of users, depending critically on the value of downstream health care choices. This paper defines an analytical framework for establishing the value of diagnostic and prognostic tests for HTA in a way that is consistent with methods used for the evaluation of other health care technologies. It assumes a linked-evidence approach where modeling is required, and incorporates considerations regarding several different areas of policy, such as personalized medicine. We initially focus on diagnostic technologies with dichotomous results, and then extend the framework by considering diagnostic tests that provide more complex information, such as continuous measures (for example, blood glucose measurements) or multiple categories (such as tumor classification systems). We also consider how the methods of assessment differ for prognostic information or for diagnostics without a reference standard. Throughout, we propose innovative graphical ways of summarizing the results of such complex assessments of value.
High serum uric acid levels are a protective factor against unfavourable neurological functional outcome in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wang Yu-Fang , Li Jiao-Xing , Sun Xun-Sha , Lai Rong , Sheng Wen-Li
Published: March 2018

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels at the onset and prognostic outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 1166 patients with ischaemic stroke who were hospitalized in our centre during August 2008 to November 2012. Correlations of serum uric acid levels and prognostic outcomes were analysed.

Results

Men had higher serum uric acid levels and better neurological functional outcomes compared with women. There was a strong negative correlation between serum uric acid levels and unfavourable neurological functional outcomes. Generalized estimated equation analysis showed that a higher serum uric acid level (>237 µmol/L) was a protective factor for neurological functional outcome in male, but not female, patients. Among five trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment classification subtypes, only patients with the large-artery atherosclerosis subtype had a significant protective effect of serum uric acid levels on neurological outcome.

Conclusions

Our study shows that high serum uric acid levels are a significant protective factor in men and in the large-artery atherosclerosis subtype in patients with ischaemic stroke. This is helpful for determining the prognostic value of serum uric acid levels for neurological outcome of acute ischaemic stroke.
Honeycomb-like structure in the right coronary artery treated with a drug-eluting stent: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Maohuan , Su Zizhuo , Li Jiajie , Nie Ruqiong , Wang Jingfeng
Published: March 2018

A honeycomb-like structure (HLS) is a rare entity encountered in catheterization laboratories. The etiology of HLS remains elusive. Moreover, no treatment guideline or consensus for HLS has been proposed. However, with more frequent adoption of intravascular imaging modalities, the number of cases of HLS is rising. We herein present a case of HLS and summarize previous reports in the literature with the aim of providing useful information for interventional cardiologists and promoting further research.
Executive Functioning, Reward/Punishment Sensitivity, and Conduct Problems in Boys With Callous-Unemotional Traits
Authors: Platje Evelien , Huijbregts Stephan C. J. , van Goozen Stephanie H. M. , Popma Arne , Cima Maaike , Swaab Hanna J. T.
Published: March 2018

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are thought to characterize children exhibiting persistent and severe conduct problems (CPs). Reward and punishment sensitivity have often been investigated, yet executive function problems have mostly been studied in adults. Moreover, the level of co-occurring CPs is important to take into account. Therefore, the current study investigated differences in reward responsivity, punishment sensitivity, and executive functioning (EF) between four subgroups of general community boys ( N = 346, Mage = 14.01 years, SD = 1.19): high CU/high CP, low CU/high CP, high CU/low CP, and low CU/low CP. Boys with high CU/high CP showed significantly more EF problems, but similar reward and punishment sensitivity as low CU/high CP boys. Boys with high CU/low CP did not differ from low CU/low CP boys. Severity of executive function problems appears to distinguish boys who show a combination of CU-traits and CPs from boys with CPs alone.
Recent and Future Outlooks for Nuisance Flooding Impacts on Roadways on the U.S. East Coast
Authors: Jacobs Jennifer M. , Cattaneo Lia R. , Sweet William , Mansfield Theodore
Published: March 2018

Tidal floods (i.e., “nuisance” flooding) are occurring more often during seasonal high tides or minor wind events, and the frequency is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. During these flood events, coastal communities’ roads are often impassable or difficult to pass, thus impacting routine transport needs. This study identifies vulnerable roads and quantifies the risk from nuisance flooding in the Eastern United States by combining public road information from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Monitoring System with flood frequency maps, tidal gauge historic observations, and future projections of annual minor tidal flood frequencies and durations. The results indicate that tidal nuisance flooding across the East Coast threatens 7508 miles (12,083 km) of roadways including over 400 miles (644 km) of interstate roadways. From 1996–2005 to 2006–2015, there was a 90% average increase in nuisance floods. With sea level rise, nuisance-flood frequency is projected to grow at all locations assessed. The total induced vehicle-hours of delay due to nuisance flooding currently exceed 100 million hours annually. Nearly 160 million vehicle-hours of delay across the East Coast by 2020 (85% increase from 2010); 1.2 billion vehicle-hours by 2060 (126% increase from 2010); and 3.4 billion vehicle-hours by 2100 (392% increase from 2010) are projected under an intermediate low sea-level-rise scenario. By 2056–2065, nuisance flooding could occur almost daily at sites in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, and Florida under an intermediate sea-level-rise scenario.
Exit Choice Behavior of Pedestrians Involving Individuals with Disabilities During Building Evacuations
Authors: Gaire Nirdosh , Song Ziqi , Christensen Keith M , Sharifi Mohammad Sadra , Chen Anthony
Published: March 2018

Pedestrian evacuation studies are critical in obtaining information about evacuation scenarios and in preparing to face the challenges of actual evacuations. Studies have examined evacuation policies, exit choice modeling, and evacuation curve analysis. Some studies have addressed the evacuation behavior of individuals with disabilities (IWDs), although this important aspect of evacuation seems to be missing from modeling of the exit choice in many studies. In modeling of the exit choice for evacuation, many studies have been found to be based on the stated preference survey method, where evacuees are asked to choose an exit based on descriptions, without an actual experiment taking place. This study focuses on the discrete choice model of the exit choice in the room for both IWDs and individuals without disabilities (IWODs). The results demonstrate that the presence of IWDs in the group plays a crucial role in the exit choice for all evacuees. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences in exit choice between IWDs and IWODs. Current evacuation policies have been found to be more focused on visual signs, while this study demonstrates that these visual signs are of little importance to individuals with visual disabilities.
Lipid-Lowering Therapy and Coagulation/Fibrinolysis Parameters in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yorioka N. , Masaki T. , Ito T. , Kushihata S. , Nishida Y. , Taniguchi Y. , Oda H. , Yamakido M.
Published: March 2018

Patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) often have abnormalities of lipid metabolism or coagulation and fibrinolysis, these patients may thus be more susceptible to atherosclerosis than those on hemodialysis. It has been reported that hypercoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis are correlated with abnormalities of lipid metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a decrease in lipids on the coagulation and fibrinolysis system in CAPD patients with hyperlipidemia who received lipid-lowering therapy.

The patients included 5 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 52.5 years. Pravastatin sodium (10 mg/day) and ethyl icosapentate (1800 mg/day) were administered concomitantly for 8 weeks. Lipid levels and coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters were measured before and after therapy. The patients were divided into two groups depending on their response to therapy: responders showed a decrease in total cholesterol or triglycerides by at least 20% and non-responders showed less improvement. In the responders, the levels of protein C, tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-I complex, factor XIII, α2-plasmin inhibitor, and D-dimer were significantly lower after therapy than before therapy. Protein C, factor XIII, and α2-plasmin inhibitor were also significantly decreased after therapy in non-responders, but the extent of the decrease was smaller. The plasminogen level was significantly increased after therapy in non-responders. These findings suggest that a decrease in lipid levels and/or some other action by lipid-lowering agents may correct abnormalities of coagulation and fibrinolysis in CAPD patients. (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 27–32)
Photopheresis in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Five-Year Experience
Authors: Crovetti G. , Carabelli A. , Berti E. , Guizzardi M. , Fossati S. , De Filippo C. , Bertani E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) includes several lymphoproliferative disorders involving mature T-lymphocyte proliferation initially confined to the cutis. These affections, after variable periods, may progress to the blood, limph nodes and visceral organs. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most frequent form of CTCL and has an indolent clinical course. The therapy of CTCL depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's general conditions. For advanced cases it includes chemotherapy, retinoids, and interferon-α. Since 1987 extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), a novel immunomodulatory approach based on apheresis and photo-irradiation of leukocytes, has been successfully introduced for the treatment of advanced CTCL. It can prolong survival of patients with erythrodermic CTCL without significant side effects. Objective: To review our five-year experience with ECP in CTCL.

Methods

Since June 1994, 33 CTCL patients have been recruited for ECP, using two different regimens: two procedures on two consecutive days at four-week intervals for six months, or at two-week intervals for three months with progressive tapering in the second three-month period for the more severe forms. Six patients received ECP with IFN-α. ECP was done using the photopheresis UVAR system and UVAR XTS (Therakos, West Chester, Pa) and always with 8-MOP liquid formulation injected directly into the buffy coat bag. Lymphocytes in peripheral blood were immunophenotypically characterized for each patient and every ECP session.

Results

All patients tolerated ECP well, without significant side effects. Thirty patients are clinically evaluable (at least three ECP cycles). A favourable clinical response was obtained in 80.9% (16/21) of MF patients (complete response 33%, partial response 47.6%) and in 66% (6/9) of patients in the Sézary's syndrome phase (complete response 33.3%, partial response 33.3%). Five of the six patients given IFN-α as adjunctive therapy had a PR and one a CR. Four patients are in CR without therapy at follow-ups of 46, 20, 10 and 8 months. There have been no changes in the peripheral lymphocyte immunophenotype during the follow-up. In 19/30 patients the CD95 antigen, correlated with cellular apoptosis, was expressed and was frequently associated with a good clinical response. Conclusions: In our experience ECP achieved favourable clinical responses in 73% of patients, in monotherapy or in combination with IFN-α, without significant side effects. (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 55–62)
Effect of Adequacy of Dialysis and Nutrition on Morbidity and Working Rehabilitation of Patients Treated by Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Stefanović V. , Stojanović M. , Djordjević V.
Published: March 2018

Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between adequacy of hemodialysis (HD) and patient mortality. In this study we evaluated the effect of adequacy of dialysis and nutrition on morbidity and working rehabilitation. Single center experience carried out in 1998 in an outpatient university-affiliated dialysis facility was presented. A total of 181 patients, on HD over 3 months, was included in the study; mean age 54.5 years, mean duration of HD 5.4 years. Thirthy-two patients were hospitalized in 1998. Patients with an eKt/V < 0.8 had significantly more frequent and extended hospitalizations than patients with eKt/V > 1.2. In the regression model eKt/V had a significant effect on hospital days. Serum albumin, as an index of nutrition, was also found to significantly influence hospitalizations. Patients with a BMI < 20.0 kg/m2 were found to have significantly more frequent hospitalizations, more hospital days/patient, and hospital days/hospitalized patient/year than those with a BMI > 25.0 kg/m2. BMI < 20.0 kg/m2 was associated with a significantly lower dialysis adequacy (eKt/V and URR) and more severe anemia. However, regression model failed to confirm a statistically significant association of BMI with hospital days. The best working rehabilitation (stage 1), according to the EDTA criteria, was obtained in patients with significantly (p<0.05) higher eKt/V, URR, albumin, nPNA, and body fat than in patients at stage 6 (not able to work, and not able to take care of themselves).

This study has established that dialysis adequacy and nutrition have an effect on morbidity (estimated through hospitalizations) and patient rehabilitation. (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 83–9)
Nephrotic Syndrome and Plasmapheresis
Authors: Russo G.E. , Bonello M. , Bauco B. , Bosco M. , Tedaldi M. , Bisciglia M.F. , Vitaliano E. , Russo R. , De Paola A.
Published: March 2018

We studied 15 patients suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) in bioptically-accertained primary and secondary glomerulopathies responding poorly to the common pharmacological treatment. They were monitored for one year by assessing their immunological and kidney functionality parameters, especially proteinuria. The patients underwent 3 apheretic sittings using the cascade double-filtration technique. After the third apheretic sitting the patients received metilprednisolone 300 mg/m2. This therapy was repeated every month for 6 months.

At the end of the apheretic cycle it was shown that all patients had responded well to the therapy with a dramatic decrease in proteinuria, maintenance and/or recuperation of kidney functionality and improvement of lipidic asset; these data remained unchanged over time. Considering our preliminary results, we believe that therapeutic apheresis has a precise function in refractory nephrotic syndrome and, in particular, we propose the use of the cascade double-filtration technique. (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 111–3)
A Preliminary Survey of the Apheresis Activity in Italy: A Perspective for the Italian Registry of Apheresis
Authors: De Silvestro G. , Marson P. , Vicarioto M. , Donadel C.
Published: March 2018

Data collection on the apheresis activity in Italy throughout 1997 was performed by means of a standardized questionnaire. These data, provided by 96 Apheresis Units from 13 Italian regions, albeit rough, are sufficiently informative. In 1997, a total number of 170,373 apheresis sessions was carried out, with a clear-cut prevalence of productive apheresis (92%) that was performed by all Apheresis Units. Lombardy, Venetia and Latium were the most active regions for therapeutic apheresis (56% of total activity). (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 114–8)
Removal of Foscarnet by Hemodialysis using Dialysate-Side Values
Authors: Sam R. , Patel S.B. , Popli A. , Leehey D.J. , Gambertoglio J.G. , Ing T.S.
Published: March 2018

Foscarnet is an antiviral agent widely used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. We describe a cardiac transplant patient, who while being maintained with hemodialysis because of tobramycin-induced acute renal failure, was given Foscarnet for disseminated CMV infection. Using dialysate-side clearance methodology, we found the dialyzer clearance of Foscarnet to be in the order of 89 ml/min. (Int J Artif Organs 2000; 23: 165–7)