Synoptic Review Research Articles

Himalayan Cambrian hyoliths

AbstractThe Indian subcontinent remains one of the few regions of the world that lacks an established biostratigraphical framework for the Cambrian. As a step towards realizing this goal, this revision of reportedly Cambrian material previously described as hyolith from the Himalaya permits the recognition of Sulcavitus wynnei (Waagen) from informal Cambrian Stage 4 and possibly as low as upper Stage 3, and Nganki namak sp. nov. from the lower part of informal Cambrian Stage 4 in the Khussak Formation of the sub‐Himalayan Salt Range of Pakistan, and aff. Nitoricornus sp. from informal Cambrian Stage 5 in the Tethyan Himalayan Parahio Formation of the Parahio Valley, northern India. Other previously reported regional hyolith material is either non‐hyolith, questionably assigned to the group, indeterminate or not available. The range of S. wynnei may have local biostratigraphical utility in the late early Cambrian, and the occurrence of the genus Nganki, previously known only from Australia, is consistent with other faunal evidence of biogeographical linkage between India and Australia at that time. Revision of these hyoliths completes a synoptic review of previously described and newly recovered trilobites, brachiopods and hyoliths from the Cambrian of the Indian subcontinent.

Pathfinders in oncology from ancient times to the end of the Middle Ages.

This commentary highlights the onset and progression of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer from ancient times to the 15th century. During the preparation of this synoptic review of the lives and contributions to oncology of 7 ancient physicians, it became clear that despite separation by centuries, ethnicity, and religion, they had many things in common. For example, with the exception of Chauliac, all were born into wealthy families, had an excellent education in the liberal arts and sciences, and were mentored by outstanding teachers. After they became physicians, they traveled extensively, were polyglots, were sponsored by influential individuals, had inquisitive minds, searched for the true nature of diseases, and were proud to share the results of their observations with others. Except for Galen, all of them were kind and well-mannered individuals. They cared with sincere dedication for the poor and those who had untreatable disease, including cancer. Although their understanding of cancer was limited, they were deeply concerned about the neglect and hopelessness of cancer patients. They were aware of their shortcomings in offering effective treatment beyond the surgical excision of early cancers. For advanced cancers, they had nothing to give beyond palliative care with herbals and minerals. All physicians who care for cancer patients owe these pioneer physicians, whatever their shortcomings, an inexpressible debt for their attempts to cure cancer. Cancer 2016;122:1638-46. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Third addendum to the synoptic review of red algal genera

AbstractA third addendum to Schneider and Wynne’s (2007) “A synoptic review of the classification of red algal genera a half century after Kylin’s 1956

An Overview on Applications and Side Effects of Antioxidant Food Additives

Antioxidant food additives are substances that can be added to foodstuff, in small amounts. The aim is to avoid oxidation of food products, thereby improving its durability. Authorized by the European Union Law there are more them fifty food additives with antioxidant technologic functions. On food products, two main oxidation processes prevail: (i) enzymatic oxidation of fruits, vegetables, and processed derivatives like juices, soft drinks, jellies and jams; (ii) oxidation and rancidity of spreadable fats and cooking fats and oils. Consequently, food technology uses soluble antioxidants in fats or in water, to prevent oxidation of various types of foodstuffs. Although some of these food additives are harmless when used in small quantities (e.g., the authorized amounts), the use of others might have risks to human health. Among side effects that can occur, stands out skin rashes and itching, urticarial and eczema, breathing difficulty, sneezing, gastrointestinal upsets, cholesterol in blood, hyperkinesis. This work is a synoptic review of food additives used as antioxidants authorized in the European Union, considering their characteristics, applications and side effects.

Food preservatives - An overview on applications and side effects

Food additives are natural or synthetic substances that can be added to foodstuff in small amounts to perform technological functions, namely colour, sweetness or to extend shelf life. In the European Union an E number identifies all food additives. According to the technological functions twenty-five categories of food additives have been defined. Preservatives, also known as antimicrobial agents, are food additives used to extend the shelf life of food by shielding them against deterioration caused by microorganisms. There are forty five substances used as preservatives, being their applications and purity regulated in the European Union. Although some of these substances are harmless when used in small quantities (e.g., the authorized amounts), the use of others are not without risks to human health. Among large amounts of side effects, skin rashes and itching, breathing difficulty, sneezing or gastrointestinal upsets can be found. This work is a synoptical review of food additives used as preservatives (antimicrobial agents) authorized in the European Union, considering its characteristics, uses and side effects.

A Synoptic Review of the Research on Happiness

A Synoptic Review of the Research on Happiness

Consolidating the State of Knowledge: A Synoptical Review of Wind Energy’s Wildlife Effects

Wind energy development contributes substantially to achieve climate protection goals. Unintended side effects, especially on wildlife, have long been discussed and substantial research has evolved over the last decade. At this stage, it is important to identify what we have learnt so far, as well as which predominant uncertainties and gaps remain. This review article aims to consolidate the state of knowledge, providing a qualitative analysis of the main effects of wind energy development on- and offshore, focusing on frequently studied species groups (bats, breeding and resting birds, raptors, migratory birds, marine mammals). We reviewed over 220 publications from which we identified predominant hypotheses that were summarized and displayed in tables. Journal publications, conference contributions, and further studies have been considered. We found that research focusing on offshore wind energy within the last couple of years has increased significantly as well, catching up with the vast amount of onshore studies. Some hypotheses have been verified by numerous publications and a consensus has been reached (e.g., correlation between bat activity and weather factors), while others are still being debated more (e.g., determination of migratory corridors) or remain unknown (e.g., effect on population level). Factors influencing potential effects were mainly related to species characteristics (morphology, phenology, abundance, behavior, and response to turbines) or site characteristics (landscape features, weather, and habitat quality). Consolidating the state of research provides the groundwork for the identification of mitigation measures and advanced planning approaches. However, the quantification of effects remains challenging and uncertainties will always persist.

European Psychiatry: Practice, Education, and Research

Introduction European psychiatry is characterized by increasing needs to harmonize mental healthcare – to develop psychiatry in Europe to European psychiatry. Objectives To describe the current challenges for European mental health care practice, the ensuing demands on education in psychiatry and the necessary research areas with a view to increase the harmonization of mental health care in Europe. Aims To convey a picture of the recent challenges to and responses from European psychiatry. Methods A synoptic review of the burden of disease in Europe due to mental disorders, mental healthcare utilization, educational needs for psychiatrists and trends in psychiatric research providing avenues of addressing recent challenges. Results European mental healthcare is characterized by highly differentiated mental healthcare systems facing increasing rates of utilization and demands by multiethnicity of the population. Recent economic crises are still not over and influence mental health. Trends in research aiming at understanding the etiopathogenesis of mental disorders and to elucidate the biopsychosocial pathways into mental disorders with a view to improve prevention. European Psychiatric Association has begun a continuous process of developing and publishing evidence- and consensus-based guidance recommendations for critical issues in European mental healthcare, which may help to implement common mental health care practices. Similar approaches could be useful for education and research in psychiatry. Conclusions While there are many challenges to psychiatry in Europe, the field is well positioned to address challenges and efforts to develop harmonized European psychiatry may gain impulses from programs developing recommendations for clinical practice, education and research.

A Synoptic Review on Deriving Bathymetry Information Using Remote Sensing Technologies: Models, Methods and Comparisons

This paper discusses the bathymetric mapping technologies by means of satellite remote sensing (RS) with special emphasis on bathymetry derivation models, methods, accuracies, advantages, limitations, and comparisons. Traditionally, bathymetry can be mapped using echo sounding sounders. However, this method is constrained by its inefficiency in shallow waters and very high operating logistic costs. In comparison, RS technologies present efficient and cost-effective means of mapping bathymetry over remote and broad areas. RS of bathymetry can be categorised into two broad classes: active RS and passive RS. Active RS methods are based on active satellite sensors, which emit artificial radiation to study the earth surface or atmospheric features, e.g. light detection and ranging (LIDAR), polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR), altimeters, etc. Passive RS methods are based on passive satellite sensors, which detect sunlight (natural source of light) radiation reflected from the earth and thermal radiation in the visible and infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. multispectral or optical satellite sensors. Bathymetric methods can also be categorised as imaging methods and non-imaging methods. The non-imaging method is elucidated by laser scanners or LIDAR, which measures the distance between the sensor and the water surface or the ocean floor using a single wave pulse or double waves. On the other hand, imaging methods approximate the water depth based on the pixel values or digital numbers (DN) (representing reflectance or backscatter) of an image. Imaging methods make use of the visible and/or near infrared (NIR) and microwave radiation. Imaging methods are implemented with either analytical modelling or empirical modelling, or by a blend of both. This paper presents the development of bathymetric mapping technology by using RS, and discusses the state-of-the-art bathymetry derivation methods/algorithms and their implications in practical applications.

A Synoptic Review of the 1932 National Research Council Bulletin, “Possibilities and Need for Development of Legal Medicine in the United States”

In 1932, the National Research Council (NRC) published a Bulletin titled “Possibilities and Need for Development of Legal Medicine in the United States.” This article is a synopsis of the major points made in the 1932 Bulletin. The 135-page Bulletin was prepared for the National Research Council Committee on Medicolegal Problems by Oscar T Schultz MD, who was the Director of Laboratories at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. Chapters cover “Medical Science and the Law,” the “Need for the Organization of Institutes of Legal Medicine in the United States,” “Suggested Organization of an Institute of Legal Medicine,” “The State University and Legal Medicine,” “The Present and Future Development of Legal Medicine in the United States,” “Science and the Prevention of Crime,” “The Outlook for the Future,” a “Summary,” and three ancillary chapters. It was envisioned that institutes of legal medicine could parallel those in Europe and would be university affiliated, active and not theoretical, produce publications, and have renowned leaders and laboratory services such as bacteriology, immunology, chemistry, toxicology, and microscopy. They would also provide services on living people who were injured, and would do psychiatric assessments and evaluate witnesses and suspects. In short, the institutes would have services that met the needs of the criminal justice system. Eighty-two years following publication of the 1932 Bulletin, the institutes of legal medicine envisioned in the Bulletin have not come to fruition. Several institutes emerged since 1932 but have failed or are no longer formal institutes with multidisciplinary participants.

A Synoptic Review of the 1968 National Research Council Progress Report on Forensic Pathology

In 1968, a “Committee on Pathology” existed within the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council, Division of Medical Sciences. This group appointed an “ad hoc Committee on Forensic Pathology.” The Committee on Pathology prepared a progress report in April of 1968, and the ad hoc Committee on Forensic Pathology prepared a report in November of 1968. James Luke retained copies of these documents, which were reviewed to prepare this summary article of their content. Many of the issues and concerns raised in these reports remain today. Legal medicine and forensic pathology education in medical school is severely lacking. Exposure of pathology residents to a quality rotation in forensic pathology is deficient in many areas. Affiliations between death investigation offices and medical schools is highly variable and in need of improvement. Research and publication in forensic pathology occurs but needs to be bolstered. There are not enough forensic pathologists to meet the needs of the justice, public health, and public safety communities. Forensic pathology salaries remain non-competitive in many areas. It is difficult to recruit and retain forensic pathologists in the field. There remain practicing forensic pathologists who are not board-certified. Although television shows and movies have increased awareness about death investigation, they have not resulted in significant public or governmental appreciation and support for what forensic pathologists contribute to society. Progress has been made, but forensic pathology still has a long way to go.

A synoptic review of the genus Thaumaspis Bolívar (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae) with the description of a new genus and four new species.

Two new species of the new genus Athaumaspis gen. n., Athaumaspis minutus sp. n. and Athaumaspis tibetanus sp. n. from Vietnam and China are described. The subgenus Pseudothaumaspis of Thaumaspis is elevated to generic status and another two new species Pseudothaumaspis bispinosus sp. n. and Pseudothaumaspis furcocercus sp. n. are described, the remaining species of Thaumaspis are reviewed and keyed with the four new species.

Histological Atlas of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae):Villosa nebulosa(Ambleminae: Lampsilini),Fusconaia cerina(Ambleminae: Pleurobemini) andStrophitus connasaugaensis(Unioninae: Anodontini)

Freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida) are a species-rich group of parasitic bivalves comprising approximately 843 nominal species in six families, including 300 species of Unionidae and five of Margaritiferidae in North America. Unionid shells have been studied extensively for the purposes of taxonomy, but less information exists about the cellular anatomy of their “soft tissues” (mantle cavity tissues and visceral tissues). No systematic histological atlas of any unionid has been published in the peer-reviewed literature, and this lack of information hinders basic and applied research topics involving freshwater mussels. Herein, we describe the tissue and cell anatomy of a representative species from each of three lineages (tribes) of Unionidae sensu Graf & Cummings (2006) ranging in North America: Villosa nebulosa (Ambleminae: Lampsilini), Fusconaia cerina (Ambleminae: Pleurobemini) and Strophitus connasaugaensis (Unioninae: Anodontini). Based on necropsy observations and light microscopy of serial histological sections, for each species we describe and compare mantle cavity tissues (i.e., tissue enclosed by mantle: mantle, adductor muscle, pedal protractor, pedal retractor, gill, foot, labial palp) and visceral organs (i.e., internal organs: esophagus, digestive diverticulum, stomach, crystalline style sac, intestine, heart, nephridium, cerebral ganglia, pedal ganglia, visceral ganglia, ovaries and testes). We also present a synoptical review of pertinent literature on histological anatomy of unionids. The present study (i) represents the first histological atlas for freshwater mussels, (ii) comprises a baseline for monitoring mussel health in aquatic ecosystems, and (iii) could assist future workers studying freshwater mussel physiology, life history, toxicology, pathology, systematics and ecology.

A synoptic review of the genus Stagmomantis (Mantodea: Mantidae).

Stagmomantis is a remarkable genus within the Mantodea, being relatively species-rich and geographically widespread. Yet, the number of species within the genus remains curiously unresolved. The present synoptic review surveys the literature on Stagmomantis to identify named species for which scientific consensus exists, as well as to summarize basic biological information for each species, including geographic distribution, morphological features, and sex-specific biometric data. The review identifies 23 consensus taxa within Stagmomantis: 22 separate species, with one of these species, S. montana, split into two subspecies (S. m. montana and S. m. sinaloae). The review indicates morphological features that may prove to be diagnostic for a given species, particularly when examined in conjunction with male genitalia. Such features include dark spots on the anterior femur (S. amazonica, S. centralis, S. marginata, S. nahua, S. venusta, S. vicina), spines or denticulations on the anterior coxa (S. colorata, S. montana montana, S. parvidentata, S. theophila), and dark bands on abdominal tergites (S. californica, S. colorata, S. domingensis). Color variation of certain features with respect to body coloration, such as stigma coloration and body and leg markings, requires more attention. Information on life history, reproduction, and ecology are summarized, particularly for temperate populations of S. carolina and S. limbata. While the 23 consensus taxa represent a robust appraisal of the existing literature, some taxonomic uncertainties remain. The status of two species are somewhat unclear (S. marginata and S. tolteca), calling for taxonomic evaluation. Furthermore, proposed within-genus groupings deserve examination, as do possible subdivisions within some species (e.g., S. limbata, S. parvidentata). Information on basic morphology and biometry remains incomplete for nearly all species. Extreme examples are S. amazonica, S. costalis, and S. paraensis, for which females have not been described. Live animal research on life history, behavior, and ecology is needed for all species, with the possible exceptions of S. carolina and S. limbata. By reconciling species assignments and consolidating biological information for the 23 consensus taxa, this synoptic review promises to guide subsequent systematic and phylogenetic investigations of the genus Stagmomantis.

Probiotic Efficacy and Potential of Streptococcus thermophilus modulating human health: A synoptic review

The use of probiotic bacterial cultures stimulates the growth of preferred microorganisms, crowds out potentially harmful bacteria, and reinforces the body's natural defence mechanisms. Streptococcus thermophilus has been exploited industrially for making cheese as well as yogurt. One of the most important properties of this bacterium which is being used is production of lactase, an enzyme that converts lactose (milk sugar) into a simple sugar, which helps people who are lactose intolerant to digest milk. So consumption of this microbe has facilitated to alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance and other gastrointestinal problems. Due to this unique feature of the microbe, it has been added to several health supplements along with other bacteria with similar properties. Over and above, it also produces a variety of antagonistic factors that include metabolic end products, antibiotic-like substances and bactericidal proteins, termed bacteriocins which assist to prevent several types of infections from various pathogenic microbes. In addition, the bacterium is endowed with enormous important beneficial properties. The following review will discuss with some beneficial aspects of S. thermophilus.

The artists of lake Lugano : the baroque creators of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (16 th -18 th Century)

Nearly 40 architects, sculptors, painters, and other masters, who originated from the shores of Lake Lugano, worked in almost 50 places of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania throughout the 16th to 18th century. Their greatest impact was on the stuccowork at the turn of the 17th -18th century. This stucco has never been surpassed by anyone, either before or after that. It is recognized by art historians, that these artists made a huge impact on the early Lithuanian Baroque (around 1600, St. Casimir Chapel, Jesuit Church in Nyasviež) as well as on the Baroque of the second half of the 17th century (Pažaislis Monastery and Church, Church of St. Peter and Paul in Vilnius). The production of the Lugano Lake artists was at its most bountiful in the 18th century. Yet even though their influence on the Vilnius Rococo was significant, it has not been profoundly studied and its evaluation remains problematic. This article discusses the phenomenon of the Lake Lugano artists in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania on the basis of Swiss, Italian, Polish, and Lithuanian historiography. The most important personalities and objects there are identified and described. In this generally synoptic review article, new information (in the context of Lithuanian historiography) is presented about the sculptor and architect of the Vilnius Cathedral‘s St. Casimir Chapel Giovanni Giacomo Tencalla (first half of the 17th century), the stucco maker at Pažaislis Camaldolese Church and Monastery Giovanni Merli (second half of the 17th century), and the architect of the 18th century Vilnius Baroque Antonio Paracca.

Carcinosarcoma of the ureter with a small cell component: report of a rare pathologic entity and potential for diagnostic error on biopsy.

Carcinosarcomas of the ureter are rare biphasic neoplasms, composed of both malignant epithelial (carcinomatous) and malignant mesenchymal (sarcomatous) components. Carcinosarcomas of the urinary tract are exceedingly rare. We report a unique case of a carcinosarcoma of the ureter with a chondrosarcoma and small cell tumor component arising in a 68-year-old male who presented with microscopic hematuria. CT intravenous pyelogram revealed right-sided hydroureter and hydronephrosis with thickening and narrowing of the right ureter. The patient underwent robot-assisted ureterectomy with bladder cuff excision and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient is disease-free at 32 months after treatment. We provide a brief synoptic review of carcinosarcoma of the ureter and bladder with utilization of immunohistochemical (IHC) stains and potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Virtual Reality and Virtual Reality System Components

This paper is a synoptic review of virtual reality, its features, types, and virtual reality systems, as well as the elements of the VR system hardware and software, which are essential components of virtual reality systems.

Second addendum to the synoptic review of red algal genera

Abstract A second addendum to Schneider and Wynne’s (Schneider, C.W. and M.J. Wynne. 2007. A synoptic review of the classification of red algal genera a half a century after Kylin’s “Die Gattungen der Rhodophyceen”. Bot. Mar. 50: 197–249.) “Synoptic review” of red algal genera and their classification is presented, with an updating of names of new taxa at the generic level and higher. In the past few years, the hierarchy of some genera has changed due to new subfamilies, which are cited and referenced below. There have also been the descriptions of some higher taxa in the past few years.

Public Health: Back to the Future

Public Health: Back to the Future