bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Endoscopic Evaluation of Acute Radiation Esophagitis during Chemoradiotherapy with Proton Beam Therapy Boost for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Hasatani Kenkei , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Yamamoto Kazutaka , Aoyagi Hiroyuki , Miyanaga Tamon , Kaizaki Yasuharu , Sawada Takeshi
Published: May 2019

Background/Aim: To evaluate the utility of endoscopy for assessing radiation esophagitis during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with proton beam therapy (PBT) boost for esophageal cancer. Methods: Between December 2012 and December 2016, 38 patients with esophageal cancer were treated with CRT with PBT boost. To evaluate radiation esophagitis, endoscopy was performed after administration of CRT with standard PBT boost (total dose 50–60 Gy relative biological effectiveness [RBE]). Radiation esophagitis was evaluated and classified into 5 newly developed endoscopic grades (Fukui Acute Radiation Esophagitis [FARE] grade). The additional PBT boost was then adjusted and delivered (2–20 Gy [RBE]) to a maximum total dose of 74.4 Gy (RBE) based on the degree of radiation esophagitis, probability of residual tumor, and patient’s general condition. To evaluate the utility of endoscopic examination, the incidences of adverse events graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.0) were determined at the time of endoscopic examination after CRT with standard PBT boost (50–60 Gy [RBE]) and at the completion of treatment (60–74.4 Gy [RBE]), as well as during the 90 days from the beginning of treatment. Results: There was a significant correlation between FARE grade and CTCAE esophagitis grade (ρ = 0.48; p = 0.03). Moreover, endoscopy detected severe esophagitis in an asymptomatic patient. Radiation dose escalation was achieved without severe acute adverse events. There was no significant difference between the incidence of acute toxicity at the time of the CRT with standard PBT boost (50–60 Gy [RBE]) and the higher dose at the completion of treatment (60–74.4 Gy [RBE]), which suggests this dose escalation strategy is safe. Conclusion: Endoscopic evaluation of radiation esophagitis using FARE grades was safely performed and useful for adjusting added radiation to ensure the safety of escalations in CRT with PBT boost for esophageal cancer.
The Diagnosis and Therapy of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Hungary: Comparison of Strategies Applied by Family Physicians and Internists
Authors: Márkus Bernadett , Herszényi László , Matyasovszky Melinda , Vörös Krisztián , Torzsa Péter , Rurik Imre , Tulassay Zsolt , Kalabay László
Published: May 2019

Background Aims: Most patients with Helicobacter pylori infection are consulted for the first time by family physicians. We aimed to survey the adherence to the newest guidelines of the management of H. pylori infection in the primary and secondary care settings in Hungary. Methods: From a total of 793 physicians, 94 trainees in family medicine, 334 family physicians without and 195 with board certification in internal medicine, 87 internists, 78 family paediatricians were invited to take part in the study. Diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes towards H. pylori infection were compared by a voluntary and anonymous questionnaire. Results: Participants test for H. pylori infection in 92.8% of cases with a family history of peptic ulcer or 76.9% of gastric cancer, 68.9% of dyspepsia and 49.9% of non-specific abdominal complaints, before initiation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; 17.3%) and antiplatelet treatment (14.5%), respectively. They confirm the success of eradication therapy in 88.1% mainly by urea breath test. Most of them initiate eradication therapy by themselves and only 22.4% refer their patients to a gastroenterologist. Clarithromycin-based standard triple therapy is the most preferred (62.1%) and only 3.7% choose quadruple combination with bismuth as first-line and 48.1% as second-line therapy. We found significant differences between groups with respect to the physicians’ own infection, localization of practice, and sources of information on H. pylori infection. Internists are more likely to clarify H. pylori status before the initiation of NSAID and antiplatelet therapies, initiate second-line therapies and use bismuth compared to the other groups. Family physicians with board certification in internal medicine are also prone to start eradication therapy and less prone to refer patients to a gastroenterologist. Family paediatricians prefer stool antigen determination, screen family members and prefer gastroenterologist consultation more often, and use bismuth less frequently than the other groups. Family physicians with previous infection check for H. pyloriinfection more frequently before the initiation of NSAID treatment and are more likely to use histology to detect H. pylori. Postgraduate trainings were the most popular source of information. Conclusion: The adherence to the recent recommendations of current guidelines is moderate. There is a need to increase adherence to current recommendations by family physicians and internists.
Estimation of Phenytoin Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Saudi Epileptic Patients
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Alzaidi Thuraya , Alotaibi Mashal , Alsultan Abdullah
Published: May 2019

Objective: This study aimed to assess the population pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in Saudi patients and identify factors affecting therapeutic parameters. Method: A retrospective chart review was performed at King Saud University Medical City on patients treated with oral phenytoin. We used Monolix 4.4. for population pharmacokinetic modeling. A base model was developed to investigate several covariates, including age, gender, weight, total daily dose (TTD), and liver function test results. Results: The analysis included a total of 81 phenytoin plasma concentrations from 43 patients (70% male). Patients’ mean (± SD) age was 41 (±18.7) years and body weight was 65.4 (±17.7) kg. The patients received a phenytoin TDD of 330.5 (±104.5) mg/day, resulting in a trough concentration of 11.2 (±10.3) mg/L. The data were sufficiently described by the one-compartment open model with linear absorption and nonlinear elimination processes. Average parameter estimates for phenytoin volume of distribution (V), maximal elimination rate (Vmax), and Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) were 0.61 L/h/kg, 6.12 mg/kg/day, and 5.33 mg/L, respectively. The most significant covariates on phenytoin Vmax and Km were the age and body weight of the patients, along with valproic acid (VPA) cotherapy. Conclusion: The population pharmacokinetic model of phenytoin in Saudi patients found significant interindividual variability between subjects, which was affected by the patients’ age, body weight, and VPA cotherapy as the most significant covariates on phenytoin Vmax and Km. To provide guidance in drug dosage decisions, further studies are required to evaluate all factors that may potentially influence the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin.
Relationship of Quadriceps Muscle Thickness with Motor Paralysis and Muscle Echo Intensity in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Maeda Hisashi , Imada Ken , Ishida Koji , Akima Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Quadriceps muscle atrophy and quality loss, defined as an increased ratio of intramuscular fat and/or connective tissue, are often observed especially in the paretic limb of post-stroke patients. This study was performed to examine the relationship of quadriceps muscle thickness (MT) with muscle echo intensity (EI) and the severity of motor paralysis after stroke. Methods: Thirty-six hemiparetic subacute post-stroke patients were enrolled. We examined the MT (index of muscle quantity) and the EI (index of muscle quality) at the anterior mid-thigh in both limbs. We also assessed the Brunnstrom stage (BR stage), subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness, time since stroke, age, body weight, sex, number of medications, and nutritional and inflammation status. Results: The MT in the paretic limb was explained by the BR stage (β = –0.26, p < 0.01), body weight (β = 0.68, p < 0.01), and serum albumin (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), with an adjusted R2 of 0.81. The MT in the non-paretic limb was explained by the muscle EI (β = –0.55, p < 0.01) and age (β = –0.40, p < 0.01), with an adjusted R2 of 0.69. The muscle EI was explained by the MT in the paretic limb (β = –0.34, p < 0.01) and non-paretic limb (β = –0.69, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that motor paralysis, aging, and malnutrition contribute to quadriceps atrophy in post-stroke patients. Moreover, a potential countermeasure to diminish muscle quality loss is maintenance of muscle quantity.
КОРЕЛЯЦІЙНІ ЗВ’ЯЗКИ БІОХІМІЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ, ЦИТОКІНОВОГО ТА ІМУННОГО СТАТУСУ У ВАГІТНИХ, ЯКІ ПРОЖИВАЮТЬ НА РАДІАЦЙНО ЗАБРУДНЕНИХ І РАДІОАКТИВНО “ЧИСТИХ” ТЕРИТОРІЯХ ВОЛИНСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ
Authors: Konovalenko O. V. , Lapovets L. Ye.
Published: May 2019

Вступ. Незважаючи на істотні досягнення у вивченні наслідків катастрофи для здоров’я вагітних жінок і дітей, яких вони народили, що дозволили зробити певні висновки про негативний вплив гострої та пролонгованої дії радіаційного опромінення на організм вагітної і плода, багато питань цієї складної проблеми дотепер залишаються невивченими.

Мета дослідження – визначити кореляційні зв’язки показників цитокінової системи та імунного статусу з досліджуваними показниками у вагітних з екстрагенітальною патологією залежно від радіаційного забруднення території проживання Волинської області.

Методи дослідження. Було обстежено 60 вагітних жінок віком 18–25 років у термін вагітності 19–37 тижні, які перебували на лікуванні та спостереженні у відділенні екстрагенітальної патології з приводу серцево-судинної патології. Обстежених жінок поділили на 2 дослідних групи: 1-ша (30 вагітних) – в основному мешканки м. Луцька та районів, які не належать до забруднених територій; 2-га (30 вагітних) – мешканки забруднених внаслідок аварії на Чорнобильській атомній електростанції районів Волині – Маневицького, Любешівського та Камінь-Каширського. До контрольної групи входили 30 вагітних жінок такого ж віку.

Результати й обговорення. У 1-й групі сильні вірогідні позитивні кореляційні зв’язки виявлено між концентрацією інтерлейкіну 1β та активністю аланінамінотрансферази (r=0,78; р<0,05), між концентрацією інтерлейкіну 6 та процентним вмістом CD56+ (r=0,98; р<0,05), у 2-й – між концентрацією інтерлейкіну 1β і вмістом інтерлейкіну 6 (r=0,94; р<0,05), а також між процентним вмістом CD56+ та процентним вмістом Т-лімфоцитів (r=-0,81; р<0,05), процентним вмістом В-лімфоцитів (r=-0,79; р<0,05).
МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ЗМІНИ В ОРГАНАХ ЩУРІВ ЗА КОМБІНОВАНОЇ ДІЇ СОЛЕЙ ВАЖКИХ МЕТАЛІВ ТА ФОСФОРОРГАНІЧНИХ ПЕСТИЦИДІВ
Authors: Dumukhalska Ye. B.
Published: May 2019

Вступ. Отруєння свинцем є небезпечним для здоров’я населення. Свинець і його сполуки використовують у промисловості для виготовлення фарб, емалей та ін., тому одним з основних шляхів потрапляння свинцю в організм людини є вдихання пилу і диму його сполук. Свинець проявляє імунотоксичність, викликає ураження печінки, нирок, органів дихання, кровоносної та нервової систем.

Мета дослідження – вивчити вплив Плюмбуму ацетату, Купруму сульфату і гліфосату у формі раундапу на морфологічні зміни в тканинах серця, нирок та печінки щурів різного віку.

Методи дослідження. Досліди проводили на лабораторних нелінійних білих щурах-самцях трьох вікових періодів: статевонезрілих (молодих масою 70–90 г і віком 1–3 міс.), статевозрілих (дорослих масою 170–210 г і віком 5–8 міс.), старих (масою 250–300 г і віком 20–24 місяці), яким внутрішньошлунково протягом 30-ти днів вводили водні розчини Плюмбуму ацетату, Купруму сульфату і гліфосату (у формі гербіциду раундапу) та виконували корекцію пептидом цистеїл-гістидил-тирозил-гістидил-ізолейцином. Гістологічні препарати вивчали після забарвлення їх гематоксиліном і еозином за допомогою світлового мікроскопа OLYMPUS “CX 21”.

Результати й обговорення. Встановлено, що введення тваринам водних розчинів Плюмбуму ацетату, Купруму сульфату і раундапу впливає на функції їх органів. Під час морфологічних досліджень було виявлено клітинні ураження в тканинах серця, нирок та печінки щурів, викликані введенням ксенобіотиків. Гістологічні ураження включали запалення, гіперхромну анемію, поліморфну інфільтрацію клубочків та клітинну дегенерацію нирок і печінки. Спостерігали дистрофію паренхіматозних клітин, некротичні процеси та застійні явища в серці, нирках і печінці всіх піддослідних тварин.
EFFECT OF 7-DAY INTRODUCTION OF GLUTATHIONE ON ACTIVITIES OF H2S-PRODUCING ENZYMES IN THE LIVER OF RATS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL NEPHROPATHY CONDITIONS
Authors: Ferenchuk E. O. , Gerush I. V.
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Kidney diseases are a worldwide health problem. The renal dysfunctions cause the production of reactive oxygen species and can co-exist with different liver disease, or stimulate their development, so scientists are becoming more interested in the study of the influence of antioxidants such as glutathione on metabolic pathways of the body under conditions of different disease. Hydrogen sulfide has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects that are mediated by its ability to downregulate the synthesis of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species-producing enzymes and may play an important role in the mechanism of development of nephropathy.

The aim of the study – to learn the effect of glutathione introduction within 7 days on the system of H2S production in the liver of rats under conditions of experimental nephropathy.

Research Methods. The experiment was conducted on albino mature male rats. The animals in experimental group were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of folic acid (250 mg/kg). Glutathione was introduced intragastral (100 mg/kg) within 7 days after intoxication. The activity of H2S-producing enzymes, the concentration and production of H2S were measured in the liver.

Results and Discussion. Under conditions of experimental nephropathy there was a decrease in the concentration and production of hydrogen sulfide compared with the control group. The introduction of glutathione increased the content of hydrogen sulfide and promoted the growth of the activities of H2S-producing enzymes in the liver of rats.

Conclusions. It was found that the content and production of hydrogen sulfide in the group of animals with nephropathy were diminished by a decrease in the activities of hepatic H2S-producing enzymes. The introduction of glutathione increased the content of hydrogen sulfide by stimulation the activities of cystathionine-β-synthase and cysteinaminotransferase in the liver of rats. As reasons for this effect, antioxidant properties of glutathione and the possibility of including tripeptide as a source of cysteine in the synthesis of hydrogen sulfide are considered.
STATUS OF THE HUMORAL LINK OF IMMUNITY AT EXPERIMENTAL PERITONITIS ON THE BACKGROUND OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Dzyubanovsky I. Ya. , Vervega B. M. , Pidruchna S. R. , Melnyk S. R. , Prodan A. M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction. The combined course of acute peritonitis and diabetes increasingly leads to the development of secondary immunodeficiencies, which contribute to an increase in the percentage of postoperative complications and fatalities, the emergence of complexity of treatment and diagnosis.

The aim of the study – to learn the peculiarities of humoral link of the immune response in the organism of experimental animals during simulated acute common peritonitis on the background of diabetes mellitus compared with animals with experimental acute peritonitis alone.

Reserch Methods. 56 white rats were used in this work. Diabetes mellitus was modeled by intraperitoneal administration of Srethosotocin from “Sigma” firm with the rate of 7 mg per 100 g of animal mass, acute peritonitis – insertion of 0.5 ml of 10 % of the captured fecal suspension into the abdominal cavity of the animals. The concentration of immunoglobulins in serum was determined. Observation time points: 1, 3, and 7 days from the beginning of the peritonitis modeling.

Results and Discussion. Analyzing the results of studies, it can be stated that there were observed directed changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum of rats of different groups. Thus, on the first day after simulating acute common peritonitis on the background of diabetes, the level of Ig G decreased by 1.5 times, Ig M – by 1.3 times and Ig A – by 1.4 times (p<0.05). On the seventh day of the experiment, levels of all classes of immunoglobulins were statistically significantly lower than those of the group with acute common peritonitis: Ig G level was lower by 21 %, Ig M and Ig A were lower by 17 % and 56 % respectively (p<0.05). The results of our studies indicate that the presence of diabetes in acute general peritonitis leads to a decrease in the resistance of the humoral level of the immune system with antigenic stimulation and secondary immunodeficiency states.

Conclusion. In animals with acute peritonitis, protective mechanisms of the humoral immunity level are substantially reduced on the background of diabetes, which is confirmed by statistically significantly lower levels of immunoglobulins of classes A, M, G compared to a group of animals with a pattern of acute peritonitis. The revealed functional impairment of humoral immunity indicates an appreciable weakening of the organism's protection factors in acute peritonitis on the background of diabetes mellitus with the development of secondary immunodeficiency.
Morphology of Chrysastrella paradoxa stomatocysts from the Subpolar Urals (Russia) with comments on related morphotypes
Authors: KAPUSTIN DMITRY , STERLYAGOVA IRINA , PATOVA ELENA
Published: May 2019

For many years Chrysastrella Chodat has been a cyst genus but recently it has been re-instated and re-defined. Currently, Chrysastrella contains Ochromonas-like flagellates including O. tuberculata Hibberd which was synonymized with the type species, Chrysastrella paradoxa Chodat. A mass development of stomatocysts, which we identified as Ch. paradoxa, was observed in a bog on the territory of “Yugyd va” National Park (the Subpolar Urals, Russia). The morphology of stomatocysts was studied by scanning electron microscopy and compared with previously described similar morphotypes. Stomatocysts #80 Hansen, #1 Wołowski & Płachno and #4 Bai & Chen seem to be identical to Chrysastrella paradoxa stomatocysts and we propose to reduce them to synonymy.
A new variety of Schizachyrium (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) from South America, with notes on the infraspecific taxa of Schizachyrium tenerum
Authors: WELKER CASSIANO A. DORNELES , FIEKER CAROLLINE ZATTA , PEICHOTO MYRIAM CAROLINA
Published: May 2019

A new variety of Schizachyrium tenerum from South America is described and illustrated. The new taxon (S. tenerum var. muticum) differs from the other varieties of the species (S. tenerum var. tenerum and S. tenerum var. hirtiglume) mainly by the absence of awns in the sessile spikelets, which is a very unusual character in the genus. The new variety occurs in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Brazil. A taxonomic discussion and an identification key for the infraspecific taxa of S. tenerum are also presented, as well as illustrations of all varieties of the species. Additionally, Schizachyrium tenerum var. hirtiglume is reported for the first time for Colombia.
Hyphessobrycon rutiliflavidus n. sp., a new characid fish from the upper rio Paraguai, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: CARVALHO FERNANDO ROGIRIO , LANGEANI FRANCISCO , MIYAZAWA CARLOS SUETOSHI , TROY WALDO PINHEIRO
Published: May 2019

Hyphessobrycon rutiliflavidus, new species, is described from the upper rio Paraguai in Cuiab<, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species differs from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: black humeral spot, slightly diffuse at its tips, and caudal-peduncle blotch present; midlateral body stripe conspicuous in its posteriormost portion, extending to the tips of the middle caudal rays; anal fin with iii,15 to iv,19 rays (mode iv,17); upper jaw length, 42.3 to 49.5% of the head length; maxilla with 2–5 teeth (mode 3); all the fins of males reddish-orange and of females yellowish.
The Oriental planthopper genus Eilithyia Distant (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) with description of one new species
Authors: WANG RONG-RONG , LIANG AI-PING , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2019

Eilithyia singaporensis sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Tropiduchidae) is described and illustrated from Singapore and Malaya. This represents the second known species of Eilithyia. The male and female genitalia of the genus are described for the first time and a key to the known species in the genus is provided.
Taxonomic studies of the Balkan Reicheina (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Clivinini), with a review of the Albanian species
Authors: BULIRSCH PETR , GUÉORGUIEV BORISLAV V.
Published: May 2019

The Albanian species of the subtribe Reicheina Jeannel, 1957 are studied. Dalmatoreicheia maderi sp. nov. (type locality: massif of Maja e Krujë, Eastern Albania) and Reicheadella smetanai sp. nov. (type locality: vicinity of Liqueni i Butrintit Lake, Southern Albania) are described, illustrated and compared to the related species, and a key to the Albanian Reicheina is provided. Reicheadella bischoffi (Meschnigg, 1933) is illustrated and re-described, and a lectotype and paralectotype are designated. We provide some remarks on the genital morphology of Reicheadella corcyrea (Reitter, 1884). On the basis of adult morphology and paleobiogeography, Reicheadella Reitter, 1913 and Chaetomargoreicheia Magrini & Bulirsch, 2005 stat. nov. are considered distinct lineages and raised to the generic level.
C-banding karyotypes of two species of Primnoa (Orthoptera: Catantopidae) from Northeast China
Authors: REN BING-ZHONG , LI NA , WEI WEN-JUAN , WANG LI-MING
Published: May 2019

Chromosomes and C-banding karyotypes of Primnoa cavicerca Zhang and Primnoa mandshurica (Rme.), which were collected in Songhua Lake, Jilin Province, China, were studied for the first time. In the males, the chromosome numbers of these two species were found to be 2n (%) =23, with three pairs of large chromosomes, and X chromosomes are middle chromosomes. All chromosomes are telocentric. This genus has the basic Orthopteran sex determining mechanism XX&/ X0%. All the chromosomes possess centromeric C-bandings. The differences of these two species are also very remarkable, such as genome formula, terminal bandings, medial bandings and content of heterochromatin.
New data on the evaporarium of the thoraco-abdominal gland in the family Tingidae sensu Carayon 1962 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingoidea)
Authors: LIS BARBARA
Published: May 2019

The dorsolateral glands at the thoraco-abdominal junction in the Tingidae sensu Carayon 1962 (i.e., excluding Vianaididae) were described by Carayon (1962), who suggested that they are homologous to Brindley’s glands (known only in Reduvioidea and functioning as specific scent glands). The glands described by Carayon (1962) in Tingidae occur in both sexes and consist of two parts, i.e., a true gland composed of glandular cellulae, and the so-called ‘evaporarium,’ composed of more or less rounded alveolae; both parts are connected by several canaliculi. The function of the glands is completely unknown or even hypothesized; and they have never been used for classification (except by Carayon [1962], who excluded Vianaididae from Tingidae partly based on this character) or in phylogenetic analyses.
A new species and two new record species of genus Allokepon Markham, 1982 (Isopoda: Epicaridea: Bopyridae) from China
Authors: DUAN JIANGYAN , AN JIANMEI , YU HAIYAN
Published: May 2019

Descriptions of a new species and two new records of species of the genus Allokepon Markham, 1982 from Chinese waters are presented. The host species were portunid crabs. Allokepon hendersoni (Giard & Bonnier 1887) was found infesting Charybdis bimaculata (Miers), A. monodi (Bourdon, 1967) infesting Portunus pelagicus (L), Portunus trituberculatus (Miers), and Thalamita sp. and A. longicauda n. sp. infesting Portunus pulchricristatus (Gorden). Three of the host species were recorded for the first time harboring isopod parasites, and the male of A. monodi is presented. Allokepon longicauda n. sp. is distinguished from the other four species found in China by the long slender uropods of females.
Euphilomedes chupacabra (Ostracoda: Myodocopida: Philomedidae), a new demersal marine species from coastal Puerto Rico with male-biased vespertine swimming activity
Authors: LUM KIMBERLY E. , SYME ANNA E. , SCHWAB ANASTASIA K. , OAKLEY TODD H.
Published: May 2019

A new species of Philomedidae is described: Euphilomedes chupacabra from coastal Puerto Rico. This is the first described species of Euphilomedes from the Western Atlantic, a genus of particular interest for its sexually dimorphic lateral eyes. As E. chupacabra can be easily caught in large numbers and may have a short generation time, it has potential to be used as a laboratory animal to study questions of dimorphic eye development. Males of E. chupacabra are abundant in plankton for a short time; the average time of peak activity was 103.6 minutes after sunset, and the density range at the peak time on different nights was 24 to 862 males/m 3 . Males were preferentially attracted to pier lights. There is evidence that species from all myodocopid families display vespertine (post-sunset) migratory behavior, probably associated with mating. We hypothesize that vespertine planktonic mating is an adaptive behavior that exists in many myodocopids and is either the ancestral state for the group or partially or fully convergent in multiple species.
Pretty in pink: A new treefrog species of the genus Boophisfrom North-Eastern Madagascar
Authors: WOLLENBERG K. C. , ANDREONE F. , GLAW F. , VENCES M.
Published: May 2019

Treefrogs of the genus Boophis comprise the most species-rich genus among all Malagasy frogs. In this paper we describe a new species to be added to this genus from Masoala Peninsula and nearby areas. Related populations have been found in three localities of North-Eastern Madagascar (Tsararano, Marojejy, and Anjanaharibe-Sud), and molecular data indicate that at least the Marojejy population is strongly differentiated. The new species has an attractive pink or reddish colour pattern on a green ground colour. It bears a strong similarity to Boophis bottae and B. rappiodes in morphological appearance, but is genetically very distinct from these and other members of the Boophis rappiodes group. Boophis ulftunni sp. n. belongs into a separate evolutionary lineage probably related to the Boophis microtympanum group, a lineage of highland species from Central Eastern Madagascar which otherwise have very different phenotypes and advertisement calls. We here include B. ulftunni in a new phenetic species group, the Boophis ulftunni group.
A new genus of flower-dwelling melicharid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ascoidea) phoretic on bats and insects in Costa Rica and Brazil
Authors: LINDQUIST EVERT E. , MORAZA MARIA L.
Published: May 2019

The genus Spadiseius gen. nov. of the ascoid family Melicharidae is described, based on all instars of two newly described species in Costa Rica and adults of four undescribed species in Costa Rica and Brazil. These mites undergo their life histories quickly in spike or spadix inflorescences of their plant hosts in lowland tropical rainforests, where they apparently feed on nectar or pollen. One inflorescence may bear hundreds of the developing mites in all instars. Pollen is found on all instars of these mites, which may act as miniature pollinators of their plant hosts. Adult males are strongly sexually dimorphic, with bizarrely modified setae peripherally on the body dorsum and on dorsal surfaces of the legs. These structures are thought to be used competitively for mates, in much the same way as in males of the related hummingbird flower mite genera Rhinoseius and Tropicoseius. Spadiseius calyptrogynae sp. nov. lives in inflorescences of a palm, Calyptrogyne ghiesbreghtiana, and has a phoretic association both with perching bats of the genus Artibeus, which are major pollinators of this plant, and scarab beetles of the genus Lagochile, which feed destructively on flowers of this plant. Spadiseius spathiphyllae sp. nov. lives in inflorescences of an aroid, Spathiphyllum friedrichsthalli, and is phoretic on meliponine bees of the genus Trigona that pollinate this plant. Polymorphism among adult males occurs in both species. In male S. calyptrogynae a “warty” ornamentation of the dorsal shield seems to be correlated with extreme elongation of certain body and leg setae, while in male S. spathiphyllae such disproportionate setal elongation seems correlated with more robust individuals of greater body and leg dimensions. Several newly recognized morphological attributes are noted among species of Spadiseius, including apically forked salivary styli.
Stygomomonia (S.) manchurica, a new species of water mite (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Momoniidae) from the Far East of Russia
Authors: SEMENCHENKO KSENIA A.
Published: May 2019

Stygomomonia (S.) manchurica sp. n. (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Momoniidae) from the Kedrovaya River, Primory Territory of the Russian Far East is described. The affinity of the new species to its congeners is discussed with emphasis on biogeographical relationships. An annotated checklist of the subgenus Stygomomonia and geographical map of the distribution of Palaearctic species of this subgenus is compiled using published records.
Mladenoniscus belavodae n. g., n. sp., a troglobitic oniscid (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Trichoniscidae) from Macedonia
Authors: KARAMAN IVO M , HORVATOVIĆ MLADEN
Published: May 2019

Mladenoniscus belavodae n. g., n. sp., is described from the Bela Voda Cave in Demir Kapija gorge in southern Macedonia. It is characterized by specific combination of haplophthalmoid external body morphology features and the structure of male pleopods 1 and 2, which are similar to pleopods of species within some trichoniscinae genera. Based on this unique combination of characters a new monotypic genus Mladenoniscus n. g. was established. Validity of the current division of the family Trichoniscidae is questioned.
A new species and two new combinations in the genus Fibuloides Kuznetsov (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini) from Thailand
Authors: PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: May 2019

A new species of Fibuloides Kuznetsov (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini), Fibuloides khaonanensis Pinkaew, is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected from evergreen forest in Khao Nan National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Eucoenogenes bicucullus Pinkaew and Eucoenogenes vaneeae Pinkaew, described from male and female specimens collected from Thong Pha Phum National Park, Thailand, are transferred to Fibuloides (n. comb).
Taxonomic and systematic implications of the revision of the phylogenetic relations in the genus Ectinogonia Spinola 1837 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) of Central Chile
Authors: ANGUITA-SALINAS SIMÓN , BARAHONA-SEGOVIA RODRIGO M. , POULIN ELIE , ZÚÑIGA-REINOSO ÁLVARO
Published: May 2019

Ectinogonia Spinola 1837 is composed of 22 species to date, but its taxonomic history has been complex and is still unresolved. The species of the Santiagan Province of Central Chile are particularly complex because they show important morphological variability and overlapping traits, making species identification and delimitation difficult. The main goal of the present study is to show the phylogenetic relationships among species of Ectinogonia of the Santiagan province and discuss the taxonomic and systematic implications of our findings. Phylogeny reconstructions as well as a haplotype network disclosed four groups, partially inconsistent with the traditional taxonomy. Actually, the two Ectinogonia speciosa subspecies (E. speciosa speciosa (Germain 1856) and E. speciosa oscuripennis Cobos 1954) belong to two distinct clades, which are not reciprocally monophyletic, meaning that Ectinogonia speciosa is polyphyletic. On the other hand, the two other clades each contain, two nominal species (E. buquetii (Spinola 1837) and E. vidali Moore & Guerrero 2017, and E. isamarae Moore 1994 and E. speciosa oscuripennis Cobos 1954) without reciprocal haplotype sorting. These results suggest that: (1) E. speciosa oscuripennis should be raised to species level and (2) the following new synonymies are proposed: E. isamarae Moore 1994 is synonymised with E. oscuripennis Cobos 1954 and E. vidali Moore & Guerrero 2017 is synonymised with E. buquetii (Spinola 1837).
Entrapment: An Important Mechanism to Explain the Shortwave 3D Radiative Effect of Clouds
Authors: Hogan Robin J. , Fielding Mark D. , Barker Howard W. , Villefranque Najda , Schäfer Sophia A. K.
Published: May 2019

Several mechanisms have previously been proposed to explain differences between the shortwave reflectance of realistic cloud scenes computed using the 1D independent column approximation (ICA) and 3D solutions of the radiative transfer equation. When the sun is low in the sky, interception of sunlight by cloud sides tends to increase reflectance relative to ICA estimates that neglect this effect. When the sun is high, 3D radiative transfer tends to make clouds less reflective, which we argue is explained by the mechanism of “entrapment” whereby horizontal transport of radiation beneath a cloud layer increases the chances, relative to the ICA, of light being absorbed by cloud or the surface. It is especially important for multilayered cloud scenes. We describe modifications to the previously described Speedy Algorithm for Radiative Transfer through Cloud Sides (SPARTACUS) to represent different entrapment assumptions, and test their impact on 65 contrasting scenes from a cloud-resolving model. When entrapment is represented explicitly via a calculation of the mean horizontal distance traveled by reflected light, SPARTACUS predicts a mean “3D radiative effect” (the difference in top-of-atmosphere irradiances between 3D and ICA calculations) of 8.1 W m−2 for overhead sun. This is within 2% of broadband Monte Carlo calculations on the same scenes. The importance of entrapment is highlighted by the finding that the extreme assumptions in SPARTACUS of “zero entrapment” and “maximum entrapment” lead to corresponding mean 3D radiative effects of 1.7 and 19.6 W m−2, respectively.
Shallow Cumulus Representation and Its Interaction with Radiation and Surface at the Convection Gray Zone
Authors: Pedruzo-Bagazgoitia Xabier , Jiménez Pedro A. , Dudhia Jimy , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano Jordi
Published: May 2019

This study presents a systematic analysis of convective parameterizations performance with interactive radiation, microphysics, and surface on an idealized day with shallow convection. To this end, we analyze a suite of mesoscale numerical experiments (i.e., with parameterized turbulence). In the first set, two different convection schemes represent shallow convection at a 9-km resolution. These experiments are then compared with model results omitting convective parameterizations at 9- and 3-km horizontal resolution (gray zone). Relevant in our approach is to compare the results against two simulations by different large-eddy simulation (LES) models. Results show that the mesoscale experiments, including the 3-km resolution, are unable to adequately represent the timing, intensity, height, and extension of the shallow cumulus field. The main differences with LES experiments are the following: a too late onset, too high cloud base, and a too early transport of moisture too high, overestimating the second cloud layer. Related to this, both convective parameterizations produce warm and dry biases of up to 2 K and 2 g kg−1, respectively, in the cloud layer. This misrepresentation of the cloud dynamics leads to overestimated shortwave radiation variability, both spacewise and timewise. Domain-averaged shortwave radiation at the surface, however, compares satisfactorily with LES. The shortwave direct and diffuse partition is misrepresented by the convective parameterizations with an underestimation (overestimation) of diffuse (direct) radiation both locally and, by a relative 40% (10%), of the domain average.
Premchand, nationalism and civil resistance in colonial North India
Authors: Singh Shailendra Kumar
Published: May 2019

The theme of nationalism in the works of Premchand, the pre-eminent Urdu–Hindi writer of the 1920s and 1930s, not only serves as an organising principle but also constitutes a protean and contentious field of study, which has resulted in conflicting interpretations. On the one hand, his nationalist narratives are categorically denounced for their apparent lack of radicalism, while on the other hand, they are unequivocally valorised for their so-called subversive content. Both these diametrically opposed schools of criticism, however, share a common lacuna, that is, both of them tend to conflate the writer’s nationalist narratives with his peasant discourse, thereby precluding the possibility of different themes yielding different interpretations. This article examines the theme of nationalism in Premchand’s works, in general, and the question of civil resistance in particular, in order to demonstrate how the writer’s politics of representation in his nationalist writings differs from the one that we find in his peasant narratives. It argues that as opposed to the authorial valorisation of the fictive peasant’s conformity to the exploitative status quo, civil resistance in Premchand’s nationalist narratives is not only necessary and desirable but also synonymous with dharma (moral duty) itself.
Turnover behavior among US government employees
Authors: Hur Hyungjo , Hawley Joshua
Published: May 2019

High employee turnover is a critical policy issue for public managers to solve. The US government is concerned about slowing turnover rates, which have accelerated from 14–15% to more than 18% since the Great Recession. Explanations for increases in employee departure are more difficult to pin down. The expected wave of baby-boomer retirements did not materialize and cannot explain turnover. The impact of the Great Recession on employment makes it more difficult to theorize about the relationship between employee–organizational fit and turnover. This study analyzes US government employees’ turnover using data from the 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2013 editions of the National Survey of College Graduates. The data provide a unique opportunity to study cohorts of US government workers before and after the recession. Statistical models of employee turnover focus on comparing the factors that lead to employee departure. The exodus of workers from government offices can be explained more by the fit between the individual and organizational needs than by a mismatch between the skills required in the job and the needs of the organization. The results show that when there is a mismatch between individual skill level and the skills in their job, individuals are more likely to move within government. Workers that made job changes after the recession (2010–2013) had a greater gap in organizational fit than those that made job changes prior to the recession (2003–2006).

Points for practitioners

This study describes turnover in public organizations and provides conclusions showing how managers can minimize the risk of turnover to ensure effective government. Public managers should modify management policies to meet the needs of modern-day employees and make the government more resilient within changing work environments. Organizations can begin to mitigate turnover rates during hiring by matching employment opportunities with the job skills and expectations of candidates through careful hiring, appropriate placement, and providing employee training and support.
Gender and Division of Labor: Capturing Inequality through an Ethnographic Study
Authors: Singh M Romesh
Published: May 2019

This paper attempts to connect questions of gender construction and gender-based discrimination in terms of access to “…. Resources…. especially knowledge, power, position and culture…. and contribute….” to gender sensitive ethnographic studies; to examine occupational, structural and power inequalities within the tribal village setting of Boddaputtu and Borrapallam. It focuses on the economic conditions, the determinants by which labor is divided, and how these two systems “intertwine,” all of which influence how aspects of gender are constructed and reinforced. The paper highlights that there is division of labor that prescribes certain economic activities to males and certain activities to females.
Associations Between Existential Concerns and Adverse Experiences: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arredondo Arantxa Y. , Caparrós Beatriz
Published: May 2019

Exposure to traumatic events or adverse experiences and their consequences have been studied mainly from a posttraumatic stress disorder perspective. Existential psychotherapy focuses on universal human concerns and the anxiety that occurs when a person confronts the conflicts inherent in life and toward death, which include the experience of difficult situations. A systematic review was performed including 56 papers that studied the relations between adverse experiences and existential concerns. The articles were assessed and described in relation to existential domains, type of adverse experience, posttraumatic responses, and existential psychological interventions. Existential concerns appeared in different degrees and categories in studied samples. Outcomes suggest that from an existential psychotherapy perspective, reactions to traumatic events can be both negative and positive for a person. In addition, the passing of time turned out to be an important factor, especially in finding meaning from traumatic experiences, the reduction of negative symptoms, and the achieving of posttraumatic growth. Existential-related interventions described in this review showed positive outcomes, suggesting that it is an effective trauma treatment approach.
Evaluating Trauma Education Designed Within a Spiritual Framework
Authors: Simington Jane Ann
Published: May 2019

The invasion of trauma images from the past into the present can lead to dissociation. Jung recognized the soul fragmentation that can result from dissociation. Researchers reporting an inverse correlation between spiritually focused interventions and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that understanding the spiritual context of trauma might add prognostic value. The spiritually based strategies frequently requested by those with PTSD include imagery and traditional/cultural healing. Research demonstrates that offering the brain right hemisphere aligning processes such as therapeutic art and imagery can provide neurological and emotional release and allow healing to happen. Acknowledging that the research calls for exploration of the most beneficial ways to address the spiritual and soulful manifestations of trauma, a Trauma Recovery Certification training program was designed to address the effects of trauma on the human spirit and to provide right hemisphere aligning strategies for healing the soul fragmentation that can result from trauma and dissociation. Qualitative and quantitative program evaluation results indicate that graduates of the Trauma Recovery Certification training advance their knowledge of the relationships between trauma and the human spirit and heal their own unhealed spiritual concerns and soul fragmentation resulting from their previous traumas.
Teacher Face-Work in Discussions of Video-Recorded Classroom Practice: Constraining or Catalyzing Opportunities to Learn?
Authors: Vedder-Weiss Dana , Segal Aliza , Lefstein Adam
Published: May 2019

Classroom videos can make instructional practice public, cultivating collaborative, critical teacher discussions. However, video-based learning also involves a risk—the risk of hurting one’s own or a colleague’s public image, or face. In this study, we investigate the role of face threat and face management in teacher professional learning in 16 cases of video-based discussions in six school-based teacher teams. We present findings about the prevalence of face-work, which inhibits or mitigates face threat, as well as an account of various face-work strategies. We illuminate the role face-work plays in shaping opportunities for teacher learning, by analyzing in detail one video-based discussion. This linguistic ethnographic analysis suggests that face threat and face-work in video-based learning are inevitable and have the potential to both catalyze and constrain productive pedagogical discourse. The study demonstrates the critical role of face-work in video-based teacher learning, and the feasibility of investigating it.
Montgomery and its impact on current medical practice – good or bad?
Authors: Buttigieg George G
Published: May 2019

Patient autonomy requires full disclosure prior to a valid consent. The 2015 UK Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery has displaced Bolam on this issue and is inducing a disquieting sense of angst in some medico-legally conscious clinicians. For the time being, the Bolam test still applies for treatment and/or diagnosis claims. The very grossness of the defendant in Montgomery’s withholding of information to the patient (remarkably not thought negligent by the lower courts) prompted the judges of the Supreme Court to dispense with the long-standing Bolam test. (The Editor considers the case should have been won using Bolam in any event.) The foreseeable shoulder dystocia that caused catastrophic injury to the claimant's baby would (and should) have been avoided by a planned caesarean section. The claimant’s damage award of £5.25 million as a result of the defendant's obstetrician's failure to provide full disclosure seems to have induced clinicians to over-watch their step, at times to a ridiculous extent. On the one hand, many clinicians’ anxiety may result in a defensive/protective approach: ‘These are the facts, now you choose’, thus leaving a sense of hurtful abandonment in patients. Much harm may be done within Medicine if the facts underlying the decision in Montgomery are not properly considered and evaluated.
“It’s My Calling”: Gendered Pathways to Funeral Work
Authors: Donley Sarah
Published: May 2019

One of the most prominent features of the U.S. labor force is sex segregation among college majors and across career choices. Hegemonic cultural gender beliefs shape career choices and most men and women go into gender typical majors and occupations, even in death care industries. To better understand how cultural gender beliefs shape occupational choice and socialization, this article investigates the gendered pathways to funeral directing, an occupation historically male-dominated and currently feminizing. Using 21 interviews with mortuary science students, the findings indicate gender differences in the pathways to funeral work and highlight how occupational choice and socialization into funeral work is a gendered process.