bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should We STOP Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Advanced Kidney Disease?
Authors: Ahmed Aimun , Jorna Tom , Bhandari Sunil
Published: June 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and impaired quality of life. Previous research for preventing loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has focused on reducing blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARB) are commonly used in patients with early CKD, but their value in advanced CKD (estimated GFR (eGFR) ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2) is unknown. There remains a debate about the omission of ACEi/ARB in patients with advanced CKD and their use in association with CVD or heart failure. Does the potential gain in eGFR with ACEi/ARB cessation outweigh the potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes? This paper reviews the current literature that addresses this issue. Several controversies are discussed. Although lowering BP reduces cardiovascular events, evidence suggests that ACEi/ARBs are not superior to other antihypertensive agents. There are no studies assessing the benefits of ACEi/ARB therapy in cardiovascular risk reduction in advanced non-dialysis CKD. The STOP ACEi trial will strengthen the evidence base and shed light on the potential merits and dangers of ACEi/ARB use in advanced CKD on renal function and cardiovascular outcomes.
Identification of a Novel Homozygous INSR Variant in a Patient with Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Bastaki Fatma , Nair Pratibha , Mohamed Madiha , Khadora Manal Mustafa , Saif Fatima , Tawfiq Nafisa , Al-Ali Mahmoud Taleb , Hamzeh Abdul Rezzak
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: This study aimed to identify, clinically and molecularly, the causality of Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome in an Emirati family. It is one of the monogenic syndromes of abnormal glucose homeostasis, which result from insulin receptor defects. Methods: A novel nonsynonymous variant in the INSR gene was uncovered by whole exome sequencing and confirmed using Sanger sequencing in the patient and his parents. Various in silico tools were utilized to analyze the functional consequences of the variant. Results: Results revealed a previously unreported INSR variant in the family: c.421C>T (p.Arg141Trp). Homozygosity for the variant was found in the patient, while both parents were heterozygous. Conclusion: The nonsynonymous protein change hit a highly conserved arginine residue in the insulin-binding α-subunit of the receptor and was deemed ‘functionally damaging' by a myriad of bioinformatics tools. This report is a step forward along the way of achieving a better molecular and clinical characterization of Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome.
Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Promising Technique in the Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Gabr Ahmed H. , Gabr Mohamed F. , Elmohamady Basheer N. , Ahmed Abul-fotouh
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has recently started to be viewed as a promising technology that could be an alternative to different treatment options of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially in high-risk patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAE in BPH patients who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Between June 2013 and February 2015, BPH patients >50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refractory to BPH-related medical therapy or had an indwelling urethral catheter due to refractory urine retention were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia. The PAE was performed and the embolising material used was biosphere 300-500 µm particles. Pre- and 1, 3, 9 months post-intervention, all patients were assessed by detailed medical history, physical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, and abdominal and transrectal ultrasonography. Results: Twenty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 72.50 years and a mean prostate volume of 77.30 ± 14.89 cm3 were included. The PAE procedure was successful in all patients. Throughout the period of follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the LUTS and urinary flow rate, and reduction in prostate volume and serum PSA (for all p < 0.001). No major complications were reported. Conclusion: Our results show that BPH patients with failed medical treatment who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia could be treated safely and effectively through PAE.
The Risk Factors for Refractory Fistula after Esophagectomy with Gastric Tube Reconstruction in Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Yamana Ippei , Takeno Shinsuke , Yamada Teppei , Sato Keisuke , Hashimoto Tatsuya , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy is associated with high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. In cases with leakage, a refractory fistula (RF) is sometimes recognized after esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for RF after esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. Methods: This study enrolled 244 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. RF was defined as a noncurative anastomotic site-cutaneous fistula that had been present for more than 2 months. We evaluated the risk factors for RF. Results: AL occurred in 30 patients (12.3%). There was one mortality case (0.4%) due to mediastinitis caused by AL in the present series. A multivariate analysis revealed that the subcutaneous route was an independent risk factor for AL (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.42-13.8, p = 0.01), and that the subcutaneous route was an independent risk factor for RF (OR 13.30, 95% CI 2.50-71.30, p = 0.0024). Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study suggest that subcutaneous route was associated with an increased risk of RF after esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. The preoperative identification of risk factors may contribute to the prevention of postoperative AL and RF.
Gastric Resection Under Retroflexed Endoscopic Guidance: A Reliable Procedure for Totally Laparoscopic Subtotal Gastrectomy
Authors: Gunji Hisashi , Horibe Daisuke , Uesato Masaya , Kano Masayuki , Hayano Kouichi , Hanari Naoyuki , Kawahira Hiroshi , Hayashi Hideki , Matsubara Hisashiro
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) has become a feasible and safe surgical option for early gastric cancer. However, determining the transection line of the stomach without palpation is still difficult. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of TLDG for gastric resection under retroflexed endoscopic guidance (GRREG) in patients with gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach. Methods: Fifteen patients with gastric cancer underwent TLDG using GRREG. Preoperative tumor localization using endoscopic metal clips was performed in all cases. After lymphadenectomy, two-thirds of the estimated transection line was occluded by an endoscopic stapler, beginning at the lesser curvature. Under gastric occlusion, the gastroscope was passed via the narrow lumen along the greater curvature followed by retroflexion to reveal the occlusion line, marking clips, and tumor in the same field of view. This view verified the safe oncological transection line. Results: All patients had cancer-free margins and did not require additional surgery. The mean (±SD) proximal margin was 23.5 ± 10.4 mm. There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusions: GRREG was a safe and effective technique for TLDG. Ideal transection of the stomach was achieved using a combination of an endoscopic stapler and gastroscope retroflexion.
The Significance of the Relative Lymphocyte Count as an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Altunayoglu Cakmak Vildan , Ozsu Savas , Gulsoy Ayhan , Akpinar Ramazan , Bulbul Yilmaz
Published: June 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not relative lymphocyte count (RLC) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Subjects and Methods: In this study, 141 patients diagnosed with OSAS using polysomnography were enrolled. Patients were classified according to the severity of OSAS as determined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and presence of CVD. Lymphocyte count and other hematological parameters at complete blood count were determined and compared between patients with and without CVD. Multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the associated factors for presence of CVD. Results: Absolute and relative lymphocyte counts were lower in the OSAS patients with CVD compared to those without CVD (mean absolute lymphocyte counts: 2.0 × 103 vs. 2.5 × 103 µl, p = 0.004, and mean RLC: 28.3 vs. 33.9%, p = 0.001, respectively). OSAS patients with CVD (14.2) had higher red cell distribution width values than the patients without CVD (13.4) (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis identified RLC as an independent predictor of CVD in patients with OSAS (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.85-1.0, p = 0.042). Conclusion: RLC was identified as an independent predictor of CVD in patients with OSAS. Since RLC is a widely available diagnostic tool with no additional costs over the routinely performed complete blood count, it can be used for predicting CVD in patients with OSAS.
Paclitaxel Causes Electrophysiological Changes in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex via Modulation of the γ-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic System
Authors: Nashawi Houda , Masocha Willias , Edafiogho Ivan O. , Kombian Samuel B.
Published: June 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate any electrophysiological changes that may contribute to the development of neuropathic pain during treatment with the anticancer drug paclitaxel, particularly in the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eight Sprague-Dawley rats were used (untreated control: 43; vehicle-treated: 21, and paclitaxel-treated: 44). Paclitaxel (8 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on 2 alternate days to induce mechanical allodynia. The rats were sacrificed 7 days after treatment to obtain slices of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region involved in the central processing of pain. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in layer II/III of ACC slices, and stimulus-response curves were constructed. The observed effects were pharmacologically characterized by bath application of GABA and appropriate drugs to the slices. Results: The paclitaxel-treated rats developed mechanical allodynia (i.e. reduced withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli). Slices from paclitaxel-treated rats produced a significantly higher maximal response (Emax) than those from untreated rats (p < 0.001). Bath application of GABA (0.4 µM) reversed this effect and returned the excitability to a level similar to control. Pretreatment of the slices with the GABAB receptor blocker CGP 55845 (50 µM) increased Emax in slices from untreated rats (p < 0.01) but not from paclitaxel-treated rats. Conclusion: In this study, there was a GABA deficit in paclitaxel-treated rats compared to untreated ones. Such a deficit could contribute to the pathophysiology of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP). Thus, the GABAergic system might be a potential therapeutic target for managing PINP.
Donor Troponin and Survival After Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Madan Shivank , Saeed Omar , Shin Jooyoung , Sims Daniel , Goldstein Daniel , Piña Ileana , Jorde Ulrich , Patel Snehal R.
Published: June 2016

Background—

Despite a limited supply of organs, only 1 in 3 potential donor hearts is accepted for transplantation. Elevated donor troponin levels have generally been considered a contraindication to heart transplantation; however, the data supporting this practice are limited.

Methods and Results—

We identified 10 943 adult (≥18 years) heart transplant recipients in the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database with preserved donor left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) and where peak donor troponin I values were available. When analyzed as a continuous variable, there was no association between peak donor troponin levels and recipient mortality up to 1 year follow-up in unadjusted (hazards ratio, 0.999; 95% confidence interval, 0.997–1.002;
P
=0.856) and adjusted Cox models (hazards ratio, 1.000; 95% confidence interval, 0.997–1.002;
P
=0.950). Next, we divided the entire cohort into 3 groups based on donor troponin I values: <1 ng/mL (n=7812), 1 to 10 ng/mL (n=2770), and >10 ng/mL (n=361). Using unadjusted and adjusted Cox models and Kaplan–Meier analysis, there was no significant difference in recipient mortality at 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years between the 3 groups. Similarly, cardiac allograft vasculopathy up to 5 years and primary graft failure up to 30 days of follow-up post transplant did not differ between the 3 donor troponin groups. The median length of hospital stay post transplant was also similar across groups.

Conclusions—

Elevated donor troponin I levels in the setting of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction were not associated with intermediate-term mortality, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, or primary graft failure rates in hearts accepted for transplantation. This finding could help expand the donor pool.
Open Questions Regarding Aiding and Abetting Liability in International Criminal Law: A Case Study of icty and ictr Jurisprudence
Authors: Peterson Ines
Published: June 2016

This article explores icty and ictr jurisprudence on central aspects of aiding and abetting liability, in particular with respect to holding high-ranking military and political figures accountable for international crimes in which they were not directly involved. A close look is taken at the Tribunals’ interpretation – both in law and fact – of the actus reus of aiding and abetting (specifically substantial contribution, encouragement and moral support as well as the temporary alignment between an act of assistance and knowledge that it will contribute to crimes), mens rea (including the threshold of intent, requisite specificity of knowledge regarding crimes and a comparison with relevant case law on superior responsibility) and, finally, the controversial notion of specific direction. It is suggested that the icty and ictr have at times over-expanded criminal liability.
Citizenship Deprivation, Security and Human Rights
Authors: Zedner Lucia
Published: June 2016

In response to the rise of is and the growing problem of foreign fighters, deprivation of citizenship of persons deemed to threaten the interests of the state has been revived as a key tool for security and counterterrorism. Yet, citizenship deprivation raises profound issues for human rights. In the uk, the Immigration Act 2014 includes a power to deprive naturalized British citizens of their citizenship on security grounds, even if doing so would render individuals stateless. The uk government has argued that deprivation would satisfy the requirements of necessity and proportionality under Article 8(2) echr, provided it could be shown to be necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the uk. Yet the risks are not only to private and family life. Citizenship deprivation may also involve other rights (not least Articles 2 and 3) where the consequence of deprivation is that individuals suffer loss of life, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This article explores the genesis of citizenship deprivation resulting in statelessness and offers a strong critique on grounds of legality and rights. It also raises serious questions about its efficacy as a security strategy.
The Problem of Criminalisation of the Illegal Entry of a Third-Country National in the Case of Breaching an Entry Ban—Commentary on the Judgment of the Court of Justice of 1 October 2015 in Case C 290/14, Skerdjan Celaj
Authors: Kosińska Anna Magdalena
Published: June 2016

This article seeks to analyse the judgment of the Court of Justice in the Celaj case. The ruling in question concerns Italian national legislation which facilitates the imposition of criminal law sanctions on a third-country national who illegally enters the territory of a Member State accompanied by a breach of a previous entry ban. Although Advocate General Maciej Szpunar claimed in his opinion that such a national provision was incompatible with the main purpose of the Return Directive (which is, in principle, to return every undocumented migrant), the Court of Justice decided in the final judgment that the criminalisation of such an illegal entry should be allowed. Moreover, in its ruling, the Court of Justice suggests that authorities should differentiate between the first entry and subsequent entries and thus apply the provisions of the directive accordingly. The author analyses and compares the Advocate General’s opinion with the final judgement of the Court and examines the consequences of the ruling for eu return policy. The ruling in question, which, in the author’s opinion, has a precedent character and may raise controversies, implies a juxtaposition of conflicting values: the principle of effectiveness of the Return Directive as opposed to ensuring full respect for the rule of law, the effectiveness of law and of the principle of ‘nullum crimen sine lege’. By giving priority to the principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, the Court clearly indicates that ‘it is not a crime to be a foreigner,’ yet the law imposes certain rules and duties on foreigners, which they must abide by, whereas the duty of Member States is to uphold the rule of law.
Commentary on Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility of the Philippines-instituted Arbitration under Annex vii to the unclos: A Discussion on Fact-Finding and Evidence
Authors: Tiantian He
Published: June 2016

The Arbitral Tribunal in the arbitration instituted by the Philippines against China has issued its Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility. Juridical practices have something in common. The arbitral proceedings generally comprise two indispensable stages: findings of fact and application of law. The production, collection, and evaluation of evidence serve a particular purpose: they are meant to enable the adjudicative body to find facts. Thus, evidence is meant to prove or disprove facts. This review paper aims to discuss evidence and fact-finding process in the Award. As a general rule, international judges or arbitrators have wide discretion in the evaluation of evidence, but the guiding principle of the rules governing evidence should be the principle of fair trial. The problems of evidence evaluation and fact-finding revealed in the Award would be much serious at the merits stage, thus have negative implications for the Tribunal to deliver its decision impartially.
A new species of Gutierrezia (Asteraceae, Astereae, Solidagininae) from Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: RATTO FRANCISCO , BARTOLI ADRIANA
Published: June 2016

A new species, Gutierrezia chubutensis (Asteraceae, Astereae, Solidagininae) from Florentino Ameghino in Chubut Province, Argentina is described and illustrated. It is distinct from its congeners in Patagonia because of its height (over 50 cm), larger elliptical leaves and numerous heads with yellow flowers and involucre terete or terete-turbinate. A key to differentiate the new species from the other Patagonian species of Gutierrezia is provided.
Ernst Ule’s collecting localities in the Serra do Sincorá, Bahia, Brazil and the lectotypification of Anthurium petrophilum (Araceae)
Authors: PONTES TIAGO A. , ANDRADE IVANILZA M. , SCHULTZ MATTHIAS , MAYO SIMON J.
Published: June 2016

The itinerary of the German botanist and explorer Ernst Heinrich Georg Ule (1854–1915) in central Bahia state, Brazil, is reconstructed from published records, specimen label data and unpublished correspondence. Emphasis is given to his collecting localities in November 1906 in the campo rupestre of the Serra do Sincorá, Chapada Diamantina, where he collected type specimens of species from many genera and families. The available information suggests that his collections were made over a wide area along the western side of the Serra, from Camulengo in the south to near Mucugê in the north. Among them is one of the syntypes of Anthurium petrophilum (Araceae), recently re-discovered at the Herbarium Hamburgense (HBG). Ule also collected the other syntype in September 1906 at Maracás, a distinct inselberg highland to the east. Since recent morphological and molecular studies have shown populations from the two areas to be taxonomically distinct, the duplicate at the Berlin Botanical Museum (B) of the Maracás collection is here proposed as the lectotype, since it is the only surviving syntype known to have been seen by K. Krause, the author of the name.
A world key to Cryptothecia and Myriostigma (Arthoniaceae), with new species and new records from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: RAM T. A. M. JAGADEESH , SINHA G. P.
Published: June 2016

A world key to the genera Cryptothecia and Myriostigma is presented. Four species of Cryptothecia: C. albomaculans, C. elata, C. elongata and C. superphyllinica, and a Myriostigma: M. nicobaricum are described as new to science from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Cryptothecia albomaculans has a heteromerous thallus, whitish ascigerous areas not elevated above the thallus, ellipsoid, 9–11 × 3–5 septate ascospores of 47–57 × 24–30 µm and produces 2’-O-methylperlatolic acid. Cryptothecia elata has a homoiomerous thallus with distinctly raised ascomata, ascospores of (72–)84–122 × (25–)36–62(–72) µm and contains 2’-O-methylmicrophyllinic acid. Cryptothecia elongata has a heteromerous thallus, raised, irregular, 1–4 mm wide ascigerous areas covered by a photobiont layer, narrowly ellipsoid-oblong, 16–24 × 2–6 septate ascospores of 90–114 × 21–30 µm, and produces gyrophoric and lecanoric acids. Cryptothecia superphyllinica has a homoiomerous thallus, whitish, raised, rounded to linear ascigerous areas 0.5–1.5 mm in diam., broadly ovoid to ellipsoid, 9–15 × 3–6 septate ascospores of (45–)58–76(–80) × (22–)24–33(–38) µm and 2’-O-methylsuperphyllinic acid. Myriostigma nicobaricum has a homoiomerous thallus, whitish, raised, rounded, ascigerous areas 0.3–0.8 mm in diam.,  broadly ellipsoid to ovoid, 8–11 × 2–4 septate, 34–48 × 16–22 µm ascospores and confluentic acid. Cryptothecia aleurodes, C. eungellae and C. striata are new additions to the lichen biota of India. Ascospores of Cryptothecia eungellae are described for the first time and illustrated.
Morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis reveal a new species within the Ganoderma lucidum complex from South Africa
Authors: XING JIA-HUI , SONG JIE , DECOCK CONY , CUI BAO-KAI
Published: June 2016

Ganoderma is a well-known genus of polypores because of its important medicinal properties. The genus is typified by G. lucidum, which represents a species complex. Ganoderma aridicola sp. nov. is proposed as a new member of the G. lucidum complex from South Africa based on the combination of morphological and molecular evidences. The new species is characterized by its fuscous to black pileal surface with distinct concentric zones and small pores; in addition, it was found in an environment with contrasted dry and humid seasons. Phylogenetically, sequences data from nuclear internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (EF1-α) confirmed that G. aridicola is a new species within the G. lucidum complex.
A new species of Epirixanthes (Polygalaceaea) from Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo
Authors: TSUKAYA HIROKAZU , SULEIMAN MONICA , OKADA HIROSHI
Published: June 2016

The mycoheterotrophic genus Epirixanthes Blume is a small genus of Polygalaceae. Here, we describe a new species of Epirixanthes, E. confusa Tsukaya, M. Suleiman & H. Okada, discovered in the mostly unexplored Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo. Along with photographs and illustrations of this new species, a revised key to the genus is presented.
Five new species of Zercon C. L. Koch, 1836 (Acari: Zerconidae) from northwestern Turkey
Authors: KARACA MEHMET , URHAN RAŞİT
Published: June 2016

Mites belonging to the genus Zercon collected from the Thrace region in Turkey are investigated. Five new species, Z. filiformis sp. nov., Z. geliboluensis sp. nov., Z. sklarsimilis sp. nov., Z. tekirdagensis sp. nov. and Z. thracicus sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Zercon similifoveolatus Ivan & Călugăr is newly recorded for the Turkish fauna. Female specimens of Z. sklari Balan are reported and descibed for the first time in Turkey. Some known zerconid mites are recorded from new localities. A key to species of the genus Zercon known from Turkey is included.
Monogenoidea (Polyonchoinea: Dactylogyridae) parasitizing the gills of marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) inhabiting the Atlantic Amazon Coast of Brazil
Authors: DOMINGUES MARCUS V. , SOARES GEUSIVAM B. , WATANABE ALANA
Published: June 2016

A parasitological survey of monogenoids infesting the gills of marine catfish (Ariidae) captured from the Atlantic coastal region of the Amazon Basin was carried out during the 2011–2013 period. The gills of 448 specimens involving twelve ariid species (29 Amphiarius rugispinis (Valenciennes), 52 Aspistor quadriscutis (Valenciennes), 74 Bagre bagre (Linnaeus), 16 Cathorops arenatus (Valenciennes), 13 Cathorops agassizii (Eigenmann & Eigenmann), 17 Cathorops spixii (Agassiz), 3 Cathorops sp., 13 Notarius grandicassis (Valenciennes), 14 Sciades couma (Valenciennes), 64 Sciades herzbergii (Bloch), 48 Sciades parkeri (Traill), 13 Sciades passany (Valenciennes), 92 Sciades proops (Valenciennes) were sampled. No monogenoids were found in Cathorops agassizi, Cathorops arenatus, Cathorops spixii, Cathorops sp. and Sciades parkeri, but the gills of the other sampled species were parasitized by at least one species of monogenoid. We identified four new species of Chauhanellus and one new species of Hamatopeduncularia: Chauhanellus hamatopeduncularoideum n. sp. from Amphiarius rugispinis and Sciades couma; Chauhanellus hypenocleithrum n. sp. from Sciades proops; Chauhanellus susamlimae n. sp. from Sciades herzbergii and Sciades passany; Chauhanellus velum n. sp. from Sciades couma, Sciades herzbergii and Sciades passany; and Hamatopeduncularia cangatae n. sp. from Aspistor quadriscutis and Notarius grandicassis. Four previously described species were reported for the first time parasitizing ariids from Atlantic Amazon: Chauhanellus neotropicalis Domingues & Fehlauer, 2006 from Amphiarius rugispinis, Aspistor quadriscutis, Notarius grandicassis and Sciades passany; Chauhanellus boegeri Domingues & Fehlauer, 2006 from Sciades couma and Sciades herzbergii; Hamatopeduncularia bagre Hargis, 1955 from Bagre bagre; and Neomurraytrematoides proops Zambrano & Añez 1993 from Sciades passany. The monotypic Neomurraytrematoides Zambrano & Añez 1993 was placed in synonymy with Neotetraonchus Bravo-Hollis, 1968 and its type-species, Neomurraytrematoides proops Zambrano & Añez 1993 was transferred to Neotetraonchus as Neotetraonchus proops (Zambrano & Añez 1993) n. comb. The morphology of the haptoral structures supports the transfer of Rhamnocercus seenghali Kumar, 2013 to Chauhanellus as Chauhanellus seenghali (Kumar, 2013) n. comb.
Symptom endorsement in men versus women with a diagnosis of depression: A differential item functioning approach
Authors: Cavanagh Anna , Wilson Coralie J , Caputi Peter , Kavanagh David J
Published: June 2016

Background:

There is some evidence that, in contrast to depressed women, depressed men tend to report alternative symptoms that are not listed as standard diagnostic criteria. This may possibly lead to an under- or misdiagnosis of depression in men.

Aims:

This study aims to clarify whether depressed men and women report different symptoms.

Methods:

This study used data from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing that was collected using the World Health Organization’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Participants with a diagnosis of a depressive disorder with 12-month symptoms ( n = 663) were identified and included in this study. Differential item functioning (DIF) was used to test whether depressed men and women endorse different features associated with their condition.

Results:

Gender-related DIF was present for three symptoms associated with depression. Depressed women were more likely to report ‘appetite/weight disturbance’, whereas depressed men were more likely to report ‘alcohol misuse’ and ‘substance misuse’.

Conclusion:

While the results may reflect a greater risk of co-occurring alcohol and substance misuse in men, inclusion of these features in assessments may improve the detection of depression in men, especially if standard depressive symptoms are under-reported.
Two rare diagnoses during chronic lymphocytic leukaemia follow-up: Kaposi’s sarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Dogu Mehmet H , Sari Ismail , Hacioglu Sibel , Degirmencioglu Serkan , Şen Nilay , Keskin Ali
Published: June 2016

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia often has a clinical presentation characterised by increased neoplastic lymphocytes which are mostly mature looking due to B lymphocytes. Increased secondary cancer prevalence has been detected among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia diagnosis. In this report, we present three chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients who developed secondary rare cancers during their follow-up at our clinic. Case 1: A 54-year-old female patient was diagnosed with stage I chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2003 and was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma in February 2013. Case 2: A 66-year-old male patient was diagnosed with stage II chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2009 and was diagnosed with Kaposi’s sarcoma in March 2013. Case 3: A 77-year-old male patient was diagnosed with stage I chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2006 and was diagnosed with Kaposi’s sarcoma in 2011. In conclusion, secondary cancers are observed in patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Therefore, follow-up of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia requires additional attention in this context.
Stapedotomy vs Cochlear Implantation for Advanced Otosclerosis
Authors: Abdurehim Yasin , Lehmann Alexandre , Zeitouni Anthony G.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To compare the hearing outcomes of stapedotomy vs cochlear implantation in patients with advanced otosclerosis.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched for the terms otosclerosis, stapedotomy, and cochlear implantation and their synonyms with no language restrictions up to March 10, 2015.

Methods

Studies comparing the hearing outcomes of stapedotomy with cochlear implantation and studies comparing the hearing outcomes of primary cochlear implantation with salvage cochlear implantation after an unsuccessful stapedotomy in patients with advanced otosclerosis were included. Postoperative speech recognition scores were compared using the weighted mean difference and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Only 4 studies met our inclusion criteria. Cochlear implantation leads to significantly better speech recognition scores than stapedotomy (P <. 0001). However, this appears to be due to the variability in outcomes after stapedotomy. Cochlear implantation does not lead to superior speech recognition scores compared with the subgroup of successful cases of stapedotomy plus hearing aid (P =. 47). There is also no significant difference with respect to speech recognition between primary cochlear implantation and those secondary to a failed stapedotomy (P =. 22).

Conclusions

Cochlear implantation leads to a statistically greater and consistent improvement in speech recognition scores. Stapedotomy is not universally effective; however, it yields good results comparable to cochlear implantations in at least half of patients. For cases of unsuccessful stapedotomy, the option of cochlear implantation is still open, and the results obtained through salvage cochlear implantation are as good as those of primary cochlear implantation.
Decisional Conflict and Regret in Parents Whose Children Undergo Tonsillectomy
Authors: Carr Michele M. , Derr Jonathan B. , Karikari Kodjo
Published: June 2016

Objective

To determine if decisional regret (DR) in parents following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy (TA) in their children is related to preoperative decisional conflict, perceived outcome of surgery, complications of surgery, or other factors.

Study Design

Observational analytic cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Preoperative decisional conflict (DC) and SURE tests were administered to a parent of a child scheduled for TA between July 2014 and July 2015. The DR tests were given 1 to 3 months postoperatively. Data were collected on patient age, sex, perceived outcome of surgery, complications (including bleeding), emergency room visits, and clinic phone calls.

Results

A total of 102 families were studied, including 48 female and 54 male patients with an average age of 6.29 years. Parental respondents included 83 mothers, 14 fathers, and 5 grandmothers. Overall, DC and DR were both low in this group, with a median of 0 for each (means: 7.74 for DC and 8.78 for DR). DC was higher in parents who canceled surgery or failed to keep follow‐up appointments (27.19) versus parents who brought their children for surgery (6.78; P <. 05). DR was significantly higher in parents with DC (20.00 vs 7.59; P <. 05). It was not related to age of the patient, sex, parental perception of resolution of preoperative complaints, complications (including bleeding or dehydration), emergency department visits, or parental phone calls to the otolaryngology clinic. SURE tests indicated that every parent was confident of his or her decision on the day of surgery.

Conclusion

Preoperative DC is likely the most important factor in determining parental DR after the child undergoes TA.
Predicting the Cost of Illness
Authors: Lipscomb Joseph , Ancukiewicz Marek , Parmigiani Giovanni , Hasselblad Vic , Samsa Greg , Matchar David B.
Published: June 2016

Predictions of cost over well-defined time horizons are frequently required in the anal ysis of clinical trials and social experiments, for decision models investigating the cost-effectiveness of interventions, and for macro-level estimates of the resource im pact of disease. With rare exceptions, cost predictions used in such applications con tinue to take the form of deterministic point estimates. However, the growing availability of large administrative and clinical data sets offers new opportunities for a more general approach to disease cost forecasting: the estimation of multivariable cost functions that yeld predictions at the individual level, conditional on intervention(s), patient charac teristics, and other factors. This raises the fundamental question of how to choose the "best" cost model for a given application. The central purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to evaluate competing models on the basis of predictive validity. This concept is operationalized according to three alternative criteria: 1) root mean square error (RMSE), for evaluating predicted mean cost; 2) mean absolute error (MAE), for evaluating predicted median cost; and 3) a logarithmic scoring rule (log score), an information-theoretic index for evaluating the entire predictive distribution of cost. To illustrate these concepts, the authors conducted a split-sample analysis of data from a national sample of Medicare-covered patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke in 1991 and followed to the end of 1993. Using test and training samples of about 500,000 observations each, they investigated five models: single-equation linear models, with and without log transform of cost; two-part (mixture) models, with and without log transform, to directly address the problem of zero-cost observations; and a Cox pro portional-hazards model stratified by time interval. For deriving the predictive distri bution of cost, the log transformed two-part and proportional-hazards models are su perior. For deriving the predicted mean or median cost, these two models and the commonly used log-transformed linear model all perform about the same. The untrans formed models are dominated in every instance. The approaches to model selection illustrated here can be applied across a wide range of settings. Key words: cost anal ysis ; cost of illness; statistical models; econometric models; stroke; cerebrovascular disease. (Med Decis Making 1998;18 suppl:S39-S56)
Net Health Benefits
Authors: Stinnett Aaron A. , Mullahy John
Published: June 2016

In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the development of sta tistical methods for the analysis of uncertainty in cost-effectiveness (CE) analysis, with a focus on situations in which the analyst has patient-level data on the costs and health effects of alternative interventions. To date, discussions have focused almost exclu sively on addressing the practical challenges involved in estimating confidence inter vals for CE ratios. However, the general approach of using confidence intervals to convey information about uncertainty around CE ratio estimates suffers from theoretical limitations that render it inappropriate in many situations. The authors present an al ternative framework for analyzing uncertainty in the economic evaluation of health interventions (the "net health benefits" approach) that is more broadly applicable and that avoids some problems of prior methods. This approach offers several practical and theoretical advantages over the analysis of CE ratios, is straightforward to apply, and highlights some important principles in the theoretical underpinnings of CE anal ysis. Key words: cost-effectiveness; net health benefits; uncertainty. (Med Decis Mak ing 1998;18 suppl:S68-S80)
A Monte Carlo Simulation of Advanced HIV Disease
Authors: Paltiel A. David , Scharfstein Julie A. , Seage George R. , Losina Elena , Goldie Sue J. , Weinstein Milton C. , Craven Donald E. , Freedberg Kenneth A.
Published: June 2016

Background. Disagreement exists among decision makers regarding the allocation of limited HIV patient care resources and, specifically, the comparative value of prevent ing opportunistic infections in late-stage disease. Methods. A Monte Carlo simulation framework was used to evaluate a state-transition model of the natural history of HIV illness in patients with CD4 counts below 300/mm3 and to project the costs and con sequences of alternative strategies for preventing AIDS-related complications. The au thors describe the model and demonstrate how it may be employed to assess the cost-effectiveness of oral ganciclovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infec tion. Results. Ganciclovir prophylaxis confers an estimated additional 0.7 quality-ad justed month of life at a net cost of $10,700, implying an incremental cost-effective ness ratio of roughly $173,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Sensitivity analysis reveals that this baseline result is stable over a wide range of input data estimates, including quality of life and drug efficacy, but it is sensitive to CMV incidence and drug price assumptions. Conclusions. The Monte Carlo simulation framework offers decision makers a powerful and flexible tool for evaluating choices in the realm of chronic disease patient care. The authors have used it to assess HIV-related treatment options and continue to refine it to reflect advances in defining the pathogenesis and treatment of AIDS. Compared with alternative interventions, CMV prophylaxis does not appear to be a cost-effective use of scarce HIV clinical care funds. However, targeted pre vention in patients identified to be at higher risk for CMV-related disease may warrant consideration. Key words: Monte Carlo simulation; AIDS; HIV infection; cytomegalo virus infection; cost-effectiveness analysis. (Med Decis Making 1998;18suppl:S93- S105)
Reconnecting class and production relations in an advanced capitalist ‘knowledge economy’: Changing class structure and class consciousness
Authors: Livingstone DW , Scholtz Antonie
Published: June 2016

Recent approaches to class analysis in advanced capitalism have been largely disconnected from the capitalist labour process. This paper has three basic goals. First, we suggest a composite Marxist model of current class structure grounded in ownership, managerial authority, specialized knowledge and value relations in the capitalist labour process. Secondly, this model is used for an empirical assessment of continuity and change in class structure, based on a series of national surveys in Canada in the period 1982–2010. Thirdly, using the same series of surveys, we use this model of class structure to evaluate the extent to which employment class positions are relevant for understanding shifting expressions of class consciousness. Within the employed labour force in this particular advanced capitalist country, we find a generally declining conventional working class and expanding proportions of managerial and professional employees. Connections between employment class positions and class consciousness can involve complex mediations. Evidence for the persistence of strong hegemonic consciousness among corporate capitalists is provided by an additional unique series of surveys. This persistence contrasts with declining working class identity and increasingly mixed class consciousness among most other employment class positions. However, pro-labour oppositional consciousness is found to dominate among unionized industrial workers and professional employees in the private goods-producing sector, who may be among the most directly exploited workers in value terms in an emergent ‘knowledge economy’. The findings suggest the continuing relevance of pursuing class analyses based on production relations in advanced capitalist economies.
Manitoba’s School Psychology, Circa 2016
Authors: Mallin Barry , Bednarczyk George , Hanson Dawn
Published: June 2016

While the geographic landscape of Manitoba has changed very little since the last review of school psychology in Manitoba was published 15 years ago, the school psychology landscape here has changed considerably, and we continue to be alive, well, and flourishing. Two previous articles in the Canadian Journal of School Psychology presented an earlier view of the state of school psychology in Manitoba. In this article, we build on and update those reviews in the specific areas of social and political environment, work environment, regulatory environment, and graduate education environment and provide our thoughts on the current and future state of the profession in Manitoba.
In vitro and in vivo chemo-phototherapy of magnetic TiO2 drug delivery system formed by pH-sensitive coordination bond
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Ji Yandan , Chen Qianqian , Zhu Xing , Zhang Xiaoge , Tan Zhiyuan , Tian Qianqian , Yang Xiangbo , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: June 2016

To achieve tumor-specific delivery of doxorubicin, TiO2@Fe3O4/PEI/delivery of doxorubicin conjugates were designed and synthesized. Fe3O4 could act as magnetically responsive carriers and enhance the visible light photodynamic activities of TiO2. Delivery of doxorubicin was conjugated via coordination bond. The drug release rate at pH 5.2 was much faster than that at pH 7.4, due to pH-sensitive coordination bond. Besides, TiO2@Fe3O4/PEI/delivery of doxorubicin showed high antitumor efficacy combining with phototherapy, good bio-safety, higher cellular uptake with an external magnetic field, and less toxicity in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that TiO2@Fe3O4/PEI/delivery of doxorubicin may be promising for high tumor treatment efficacy with minimal side effects in future.
Carceral and Intersectional Feminism in Congress
Authors: Whittier Nancy
Published: June 2016

This paper uses a materialist feminist discourse analysis to examine how women’s movement organizations, liberal Democrats, and conservative Republican legislators shaped the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the consequences for intersectional and carceral feminism. Drawing on qualitative analysis of Congressional hearings, published feminist and conservative discussion of VAWA, and accounts of feminist mobilization around VAWA, I first show how a multi-issue coalition led by feminists shaped VAWA. Second, I show how discourses of crime intermixed with feminism into a polysemic gendered crime frame that facilitated cross-ideological support. Third, I show how, in contrast, intersectional issues that activists understood as central to violence against women were discursively and structurally separated from gendered crime in Congress. Although a multi-issue movement coalition advocated for expansions in VAWA dealing with immigrants, unmarried partners, same-sex partners, transgender people, and Native Americans, these issues were understood in Congress through more controversial single-issue discourses and often considered in administratively separate Congressional committees. Fourth, I show how VAWA’s outcomes played out in terms of carceral and intersectional feminist goals.
Literacy mediation in marriage migration from Pakistan to the United Kingdom: Appropriating bureaucratic discourses to get a visa
Authors: Capstick Tony
Published: June 2016

This article explores the literacy practices of a Mirpuri family and the ways family members challenge the bureaucratic discourses of migration as part of the literacy mediation they seek when applying for a visa. The central issue is to identify the institutional literacy practices in the visa application process by combining aspects of the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) in Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) with New Literacy Studies (NLS). The article traces how visa texts are reused and recontextualised as they move between physical and social spaces in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The aim is to identify how far the analysis of intertextual and interdiscursive relationships between discourses of migration can enhance the analysis of the literacy mediation that marginalised groups seek at a time of increasing curbs on family migration from non-European Economic Authority countries to the UK. Tracing recontextualisation in this way provides a combined framework for exploring the operations of power when analysing the extent to which bureaucratic discourses are challenged when text producers and consumers seek help filling in forms.