bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Odonata (Insecta) of Dhofar, southern Oman
Authors: Cowan Elaine M. , Cowan Peter J. 
Published: October 2018

The Dhofar governorate of Oman (‘Dhofar’) is largely desert with a mainly arid climate. It contains an Afrotropical escarpment region influenced by monsoon precipitation. We summarise published records of odonates for Dhofar, organised by four natural regions, present our unpublished photographic records for 23 sites according to these regions and produce a Dhofar apparent-status statement for most odonate species. Records for the regionally Endangered Urothemis thomasi and regionally Endangered Acisoma variegatum and regionally Least Concern Paragomphus sinaiticus are discussed.
New kissing bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) records from Napo and Morona-Santiago provinces with distribution updates in Ecuador
Authors: Soto-Vivas Ana , Enríquez Sandra , Villacrés Ernesto , Arrivillaga Jazzmin , Hinojosa Martín , Liria Jonathan 
Published: October 2018

Four species of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are reported in four localities in Ecuadorian Amazonia. Eratyrus mucronatus Stål, 1859, Rhodnius pictipes Stål, 1872 & Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) in Napo Province, and Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927 in Morona-Santiago Province. Two specimens of R. pictipes were found in an urban area of Tena City (capital province). These findings can indicate a risk of Chagas disease transmission in urban and peri-urban areas of the Amazonia.
Rapid Systolic Blood Pressure Changes After Standing Up Associate With Impaired Physical Performance in Geriatric Outpatients
Authors: Mol Arjen , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , van Wezel Richard J. A. , Maier Andrea B. , Meskers Carel G. M. 
Published: October 2018

Background

Orthostatic hypotension is a prevalent condition in older adults and is associated with impaired physical performance and falls. The ability of older adults to compensate for rapid changes in systolic blood pressure (
SBP
; ie,
SBP
decline rate and
SBP
variability) may be important for physical performance. This study investigates the association of rapid
SBP
changes after standing up with physical performance.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients who visited the Center of Geriatrics Amsterdam in 2014 and 2015 were included. The following
SBP
parameters were computed in 2 intervals (0–15 and 15–180 seconds) after standing up: steepness of steepest
SBP
decline; ratio of standing/supine
SBP
variability; and magnitude of largest
SBP
decline. Physical performance was assessed using the following measures: chair stand time, timed up and go time, walking speed, handgrip strength, and tandem stance performance. A total of 109 patients (45% men; age, mean, 81.7 years [
standard deviation
, 7.0 years]) were included. Steepness of steepest
SBP
decline (0–15 seconds) was associated with slower chair stand time (
P
<0.001), timed up and go time (
P
=0.022), and walking speed (
P
=0.024). Ratio of standing/supine
SBP
variability (0–15 seconds) was associated with slower chair stand time (
P
=0.005). Magnitude of largest
SBP
decline was not associated with physical performance.

Conclusions

SBP
parameters reflecting rapid SBP changes were more strongly associated with physical performance compared with
SBP
decline magnitude in geriatric outpatients. These results support the hypothesis of an inadequate cerebral autoregulation during rapid
SBP
changes and advocate the use of continuous
blood pressure
measurements.
Consequence and ‘Cause’: Thirteenth-Century Reflections on the Nature of Consequences
Authors: Spruyt Joke 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Thirteenth-century views on consequences have not yet received much attention. Authors of this period deserve closer scrutiny, because of their profound interest in the nature of consequence. The fundamental feature of a consequence was captured in the claim that its antecedent is the cause of its consequent. At the same time authors systematically discussed consequences in terms of truth-preservation. This paper considers the requirements of syllogistic argument and consequences in general, including the role of ‘cause’ in the identification of syllogisms proper, looks at different descriptions of consequence, moves on to discussions of the syncategorema ‘si’ – in syncategoremata treatises by Peter of Spain, Henry of Ghent, Nicholas of Paris and William of Sherwood, as well as some sophismata tracts – and explores what thirteenth-century authors make of the truth-functional characterisation of consequence, showing how it clashes with the authors’ insistence on a causal connection between antecedent and consequent.
A New Perspective on Coastally Trapped Disturbances Using Data from the Satellite Era
Authors: Juliano Timothy W. , Lebo Zachary J. , Thompson Gregory , Rahn David A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The ability of global climate models to simulate accurately marine stratiform clouds continues to challenge the atmospheric science community. These cloud types, which account for a large uncertainty in Earth’s radiation budget, are generally difficult to characterize due to their shallowness and spatial inhomogeneity. Previous work investigating marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds off the California coast has focused on clouds that form under the typical northerly flow regime during the boreal warm season. From about June through September, however, these northerly winds may reverse and become southerly as part of a coastally trapped disturbance (CTD). As the flow surges northward, it is accompanied by a broad cloud deck. Because these events are difficult to forecast, in situ observations of CTDs are few and far between, and little is known about their cloud physical properties. A climatological perspective of 23 CTD events—spanning the years from 2004 to 2016—is presented using several data products, including model reanalyses, buoys, and satellites. For the first time, satellite retrievals suggest that CTD cloud decks may play a unique role in the radiation budget due to a combination of aerosol sources that enhance cloud droplet number concentration and reduce cloud droplet effective radius. This particular type of cloud regime should therefore be treated differently than that which is more commonly found in the summertime months over the northeast Pacific Ocean. The potential influence of a coherent wind stress cycle on sea surface temperatures and sea salt aerosol is also explored.
Neurosarcoidosis Presenting Initially as Idiopathic Vocal Cord Paralysis
Authors: Wu Tara J. , Lewis Sean M. , Woo Peak 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: The presentation, course, and management of a rare laryngeal manifestation of neurosarcoidosis due to central nervous system (as opposed to peripheral nervous system) injury are described. Methods: The authors present 3 cases of vocal cord paralysis as the initial symptom of isolated neurosarcoidosis at a tertiary care laryngology clinic. Results: Laryngoscopy diagnosed unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Laryngeal electromyography revealed high vagal injury, prompting workup on brain magnetic resonance imaging. On magnetic resonance imaging, 2 cases showed basilar leptomeningeal inflammation and 1 case showed a brainstem mass. Patients were found at follow-up to have severe, progressive vagal injury, with patients developing severe quality of life impairments and medical complications. Conclusions: Neurosarcoidosis is not usually considered in the differential diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis. At initial presentation, all patients lacked other cranial neuropathies and systemic sarcoidosis manifestations, making diagnosis difficult. Otolaryngologists should be aware of this rare presentation, as prompt diagnosis by brain magnetic resonance imaging with or without central nervous system biopsy, as opposed to traditional chest radiography or computed tomography for the workup of peripheral nerve injury, is necessary. Serial laryngeal examinations are recommended for close monitoring of progressive disease and recommending treatment. Injection or medialization laryngoplasty can provide improvements in voicing but not swallow.
Nonanatomic Horn Position Increases Risk of Early Graft Failures After Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Kim Jae Hyan , Bin Seong-Il , Lee Bum-Sik , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Nam-Ki , Lee Chang-Rack , Han Geunwon 
Published: October 2018

Background: The cause of early graft failure within 1 year of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) remains unclear. The association of early failure with a nonanatomic horn position of the allograft after lateral MAT with the keyhole technique has never been evaluated. Hypothesis: A nonanatomic horn position of an allograft would be a significant risk factor for a premature graft tear as compared with an anatomically positioned allograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From October 2007 to October 2016, 208 patients (214 knees) with primary isolated lateral MAT in a single center were enrolled. A >5-mm or 10% discrepancy between pre- and postoperative horn position was defined as “nonanatomic,” and the early failure rate was compared. Among 214 cases of lateral MAT, 54 were nonanatomically positioned, and 160 were anatomically positioned. The early failures (within 1 year after MAT) were defined as (1) grade 3 signal intensities (tears) over one-third of the allograft on magnetic resonance image or (2) removal of more than one-third of the allograft because of tears. Results: Among the early failure cases, 6 were in the nonanatomic group and 5 in the anatomic group. The failure rate was 11.1% (6 of 54) in the nonanatomic group and 3.1% (5 of 160) in the anatomic group, with a 5.1% (11 of 214) overall early failure rate. The nonanatomic horn position group had an increased risk of early graft failure as compared with the anatomically positioned group (odds ratio = 3.88; 95% CI, 1.13-13.26). Anteriorized and lateralized horn position was identified in the nonanatomic group as compared with the anatomic group. Differences in patient age, sex, body mass index, involved knee, cartilage status, alignment of lower extremity, and joint space width were not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusion: Horn position discrepancy was associated with an increased risk of early graft failures. Meticulous insertion of a bone bridge is needed to ensure anatomically correct horn positioning to avoid early graft failure in lateral MAT with the keyhole technique.
What About the Role of Virtual Reality in Parkinson Disease’s Cognitive Rehabilitation? Preliminary Findings From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , De Cola Maria Cristina , Latella Desirèe , Maresca Giuseppa , Finocchiaro Chiara , La Rosa Gianluca , Cimino Vincenzo , Sorbera Chiara , Bramanti Placido , De Luca Rosaria , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore 
Published: October 2018

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality training with BTS Nirvana (BTS-N) system in the cognitive and behavioral recovery in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The BTS-N is a semi-immersive therapy system used for motor and cognitive rehabilitation of patients with neurological diseases, by creating virtual scenarios with which the patient may interact. Methods: We enrolled 20 patients with PD undergoing neurorehabilitation. All the patients were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group performing semi-immersive virtual reality training with BTS-N and control group undergoing traditional cognitive training. Each participant was evaluated before and immediately after the end of the training. Each cognitive training consisted of 3 sessions a week, each lasting 60 minutes, for 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions in each group. Results: Experimental group showed a greater improvement in cognitive functioning, with regard to executive and visuospatial abilities, as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that rehabilitation through a new virtual reality instrument could be a valuable tool in improving cognitive and behavioral outcomes of patients with PD.
Linkages Between the Foreign Exchange Markets of BRIC Countries—Brazil, Russia, India and China—and the USA
Authors: Aroul Ramya Rajajagadeesan , Swanson Peggy E. 
Published: October 2018

The past decade has witnessed increasing trade and capital flow movements between BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and the USA indicating a need for a better understanding of currency linkages between these countries. This article examines long-run and short-run relationships between foreign exchange markets of BRIC countries and the USA. Long-run results indicate that, over a period beginning January 2000 and ending November 2013, the currency markets of China, India and the USA are tied together, implying that from the perspective of the US investor, the markets of Brazil and Russia provide the greater diversification benefits. Further, the USA is found to be the source of the common trend (CT), suggesting that it leads the three (cointegrated) markets towards the long-run equilibrium relationships. Brazil and India share no short-run lead-lag relationship with the USA. JEL Classification: F31, G15
Findings From a Thematic Synthesis of Key Messages From a Palliative Care Research Network: The KINDLE Project
Authors: Nicholson Emma , Murphy Tara , Larkin Philip , Normand Charles , Guerin Suzanne 
Published: October 2018

Background: Effective palliative care requires a strong evidence base to advance clinical practice and policy-making. Calls for more collaborative and strategic approaches to research have resulted in the development of research networks at national and wider regional levels. Aim: The aim was to synthesize the learning arising from the activities of the Palliative Care Research Network from the island of Ireland, in order to identify the overarching messages from these activities. The ultimate aim is to promote the communication of these messages to practice. Design: The study developed a systematic search process influenced by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, with analysis of data adopting a qualitative critical interpretative synthesis approach using thematic synthesis. Participants: In total, 142 dissemination products were sourced from 22 associated projects, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, reports, and web/social media posts. Results: The synthesis of dissemination products identified 4 key themes relating to palliative care research and practice: (1) addressing the needs of patients while recognizing the caregiver role, (2) equal access to connected services, (3) general and specific needs in palliative care research, and (4) challenges in palliative care research. Conclusions: The key themes identified relate to challenges in both practice and research, highlighting the complexity of palliative care provision that aims to support both patients and carers, and research in this area. However, an important implication is the need for a broader approach to dissemination (beyond traditional academic activities) to ensure that research in palliative care is well placed to inform both practice and policy.
Factors affecting the motor outcome after corrective surgery for acquired comitant esotropia
Authors: Kassem Rehab R 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To determine the possible predictors of the motor outcome after corrective surgery for acquired comitant esotropia. Methods: The study included 40 patients with acquired comitant esotropia. After evaluation of the visual, sensory, and motor status; cycloplegic refraction; fundus examination; and spectacle prescription, all patients underwent corrective strabismus surgery. A successful motor outcome was defined as 0 to 10 prism diopters of horizontal tropia. Statistical analysis of the results was done using the chi-square tests. Results: At the sixth postoperative month, 90% achieved a successful motor outcome, while 2.5% had a consecutive exotropia >10 prism diopters, and 7.5% had a residual esotropia >10 prism diopters. A statistically significant relationship existed between the motor outcome and the following: preoperative results of the Worth four-dot test at 6 m ( p = .011) and 0.33 m ( p = .009), preoperative distant ( p = .016) and near ( p = .017) angles of esotropia with glasses, postoperative near angles of deviation at 1 week ( p = .005), 1 month ( p < .001), 6 weeks ( p < .001), 3 months ( p = .001), and 6 months ( p < .001) following surgery, postoperative distant angles of deviation at 6 weeks ( p < .001) and 3 months ( p = .03) following surgery, 6 week ( p  = .01) and 6 month ( p  = .036) postoperative results of the Worth four-dot test at 0.33 m, and the 6-month postoperative sensory outcome ( p  = .006). Conclusion: Preoperative and postoperative sensory and motor functions are predictors of the 6-month postoperative motor outcome.
Vascular surgery: What increases the flow of students to the speciality?
Authors: Turki Mohammed Adil A , Zargaran Alexander , Murtaza Aasim , Thomas Amal , Spiers Harry , Gill Moneet , Aggarwal Shaurya , Turki Sarah , Zargaran David 
Published: October 2018

Objectives Vascular surgery is in increasing demand due to the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the general population. Meanwhile, applications to join the speciality have been in decline in the last few years. St George’s Surgical Society held a one-day conference to expose undergraduates to the speciality in the hope that this will inspire more undergraduates to pursue it as a career. Methods The conference consisted of introductory lectures delivered by a consultant vascular surgeon, followed by practical skills workshops simulating aortic anastomosis on porcine aortas. Pre-course and post-course questionnaires assessed positive and negative perceptions of vascular surgery, knowledge of and self-reported confidence in practical surgical skills and utility of the course in their decision to potentially pursue a career in vascular surgery. Results There was a significant increase of 27% ( p = 0.03) in the positive perception that vascular surgery includes a diverse range of procedures and subspecialties. Attendees reported a 27% significant increase ( p = 0.02) in the perception that vascular surgery had a wide array of opportunity for academic/research work. Finally, there was an 18% decrease ( p = 0.03) in the negative perception that vascular surgery is somehow female-unfriendly or discriminatory against females. There was also a significant rise in both interest (33%) and understanding (73%) of vascular surgery. Conclusions A one-day conference can significantly impact students’ perception especially when there is a lack of exposure within the undergraduate curriculum. This course helped to increase positive perception and dispute negative misconceptions about the speciality. The simulation workshops held at this conference increased students’ confidence and awareness of relevant surgical skills. This conference provided a unique experience that positively impacted and inspired students and thus served as an important supplement to core medical curriculum.
Nonmetabolic functions of metabolic enzymes in cancer development
Authors: Lu Sean , Wang Yugang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMetabolism is a fundamental biological process composed of a series of reactions catalyzed by metabolic enzymes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the aberrant signaling in cancer cells induces nonmetabolic functions of metabolic enzymes in many instrumental cellular activities, which involve metabolic enzyme‐mediated protein post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and succinylation. In the most well‐researched literatures, metabolic enzymes phosphorylate proteins rather than their metabolites as substrates. Some metabolic enzymes have altered subcellular localization, which allows their metabolic products to directly participate in nonmetabolic activities. This review discusses how these findings have deepened our understanding on enzymes originally classified as metabolic enzymes, by highlighting the nonmetabolic functions of several metabolic enzymes responsible for the development of cancer, and evaluates the potential for targeting these functions in cancer treatment.
Postprandial Plasma Glucagon Kinetics in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison of Immunoassay and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Katahira Takehiro , Kanazawa Akio , Shinohara Mai , Koshibu Mami , Kaga Hideyoshi , Mita Tomoya , Tosaka Yuka , Komiya Koji , Miyatsuka Takeshi , Ikeda Fuki , Azuma Kosuke , Takayanagi Naoko , Ogihara Takeshi , Ohmura Chie , Miyachi Atsushi , Mieno Eri , Yamashita Satoko , Watada Hirotaka 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Context
Accurate glucagon level measurements are necessary for investigation of mechanisms for postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.

Objective
To evaluate the accuracy of postprandial glucagon level measurements using a sandwich ELISA vs a recently established liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design and Participants
Twenty patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin underwent a meal test before and after administration of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor anagliptin for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken serially after the meal, and glucagon levels were measured using both ELISA and LC-HRMS. We compared the change from baseline to 4 weeks (Δ0–4W) using the area under the curve for plasma glucagon during the meal test [area under the curve (AUC)0–3h] measured using ELISA and LC-HRMS.

Results
ELISA-based glucagon AUC0–3h was higher than LC-HRMS–based AUC0–3h at baseline and 4 weeks. However, differences in Δ0–4W-AUC0–3h measured using ELISA and LC-HRMS were not statistically significant. Additionally, Δ0–4W-AUC0–3h measured using ELISA and LC-HRMS were strongly correlated (r = 0.87, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Plasma glucagon levels during a meal test in patients with type 2 diabetes measured using ELISA were consistently higher than those measured using LC-HRMS. However, given that the changes in glucagon levels measured using ELISA before and after dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor therapy were similar to those based on LC-HRMS, this ELISA seems to be useful for evaluating the effect of the drug interventions on postprandial glucagon levels.
Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf exudate is a potential treatment for bovine mastitis
Authors: Fiordalisi Samira de Aquino Leite , Honorato Luciana Aparecida , Kuhnen Shirley 
Published: October 2018

Background: Aloe barbadensis Miller, also known as Aloe vera is a well-known phytotherapeutic, and parts of its leaves are used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. This study seeks to assess the in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of leaf exudate (LE) from A. barbadensis leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells. Methods: Seasonal LE samples were collected, and the effect on total phenolic and aloin contents was determined. Antimicrobial activity of LE was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, and toxicity to MAC-T cells was determined by MTT assay. Results: Samples collected during different seasons of the year showed a seasonal effect on the chemical profile of LE (P<0.05). However, despite these chemical variations, we found no differences in antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. For all studied samples, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 1,000 µg/mL. Furthermore, we found an elevated cytotoxic effect of LE on MAC-T cells with a significant reduction in cellular viability at 7.8 µg/mL (P<0.05) and an IC50 of 91.89 µg/mL. Conclusions: Despite the antimicrobial effects of LE, the high toxicity for MAC-T cells suggests that it is unsuitable for intramammary use, but does have potential as a topical antimicrobial.