bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Genetic Analysis of an Asian Indian Family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4C
Authors: Peddareddygari Leema Reddy , Oberoi Kinsi , Grewal Raji P.
Published: February 2018

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C, an autosomal recessive genetic neuropathy, is caused by mutations in the SH3TC2 (SH3 domain and tetratricopeptide repeats 2) gene. Interestingly, although mutations in this gene have been observed in European gypsies, a population that originated in India, there are few publications describing Indian patients. We report our analysis of a 50-year-old woman of Asian Indian descent with onset of progressive distal weakness and sensory loss in childhood. A clinical examination revealed the presence of a neuropathy with pes cavus without spinal abnormalities. Electrophysiological testing confirmed a sensorimotor length-dependent neuropathy with demyelinating features. A genetic analysis revealed she carries 2 novel mutations, c.2488G>T variant (rs879254317) and c.731+5G>A variant (rs879254316), in the SH3TC2 gene. Further genetic testing demonstrated that her son is a carrier of the c.731+5G>A mutation. Our analysis confirms that this patient is a compound heterozygote inheriting these mutations, which are in trans, in an autosomal recessive pattern. Her son developed an episode of sciatic neuropathy with complete resolution. We hypothesize that in his case, haploinsufficiency caused by c.731+5G>A mutation may have predisposed him to the development of this focal neuropathy.
Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Papillomatosis and Identification of Three Genotypes in Central Iraq
Authors: Hamad Mohammed A. , Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed , Odisho Shoni M. , Yaseen Nahi Y.
Published: February 2018

Objective: This study aims to provide a molecular and epidemiological characterization of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infections in Iraq. Methods: The present study focuses on identifying BPV based on clinical and epidemiological manifestations, histopathological examinations, and polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Samples were collected from 163 animals suffering from cutaneous bovine papillomatosis, including 129 females (79.14%) with an age range of 16–40 months and 34 males (20.85%) with an age range of 17–29 months. Results: The incidence rate was significantly higher in females than in males. The most commonly affected sites were the teats and neck, though warts were found in other areas of the body. Histological sections were diagnosed as fibropapilloma. PCR results showed that 80.13% of the extracted papilloma DNA samples corresponded to the BPV-1 genotype. Furthermore, 7.94% of the samples showed a mixed infection of BPV-1 and BPV-13. While, 40.63% of the extracted DNA blood samples showed 2 DNA fragments corresponding to both genotypes BPV-1 and BPV-2. Conclusions: This study confirmed the presence of BPV-1, BPV-2, and BPV-13, which belong to the Deltapapillomavirus genera, for the first time in the DNA of Iraqi cattle. Understanding BPV diversity and epidemiology is of critical importance for starting prevention strategies.
Campylobacter rectus in the Oral Cavity Correlates with Proteinuria in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy Patients
Authors: Misaki Taro , Naka Shuhei , Wato Kaoruko , Hatakeyama Rina , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Ito Seigo , Inaba Hiroaki , Nomura Ryota , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: February 2018

Background: Periodontitis-related pathogens, such as Campylobacter or Treponema species, have recently been shown to be associated with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Some strains of Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, harbour the cnm gene that encodes a collagen-binding protein (Cnm). This has also been demonstrated to be associated with urinary protein levels in IgAN patients. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to analyse the association of IgAN with C. rectus, Treponema denticola and cnm-positive S. mutans in the oral cavity of humans. Methods: The presence of C. rectus, T. denticola and cnm-positive S. mutans strains in saliva samples of 117 IgAN patients and 56 healthy controls was evaluated by PCR, and the subjects’ clinical parameters were analysed. Results: C. rectus was significantly more prevalent in the IgAN group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The C. rectus-positive group was significantly associated with proteinuria in the IgAN group (p < 0.05). In addition, the C. rectus-positive and cnm-positive S. mutans group was shown to be more closely associated with urinary protein levels than the other groups (p < 0.0083). Conclusion: Our results suggest that harbouring C. rectus in the oral cavity could be associated with proteinuria in IgAN patients.
Prognostic Role of High Gal-9 Expression in Solid Tumours: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Zhen , Wu Rongzu , Yin Jun , Fan Min , Xu Xianlin
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Recently, many studies have demonstrated that galectin-9 (Gal-9) exhibits altered expression and has a close association with metastasis and recurrence in various cancers. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic role of Gal-9 expression in solid tumours. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until June 2017 and identified fourteen eligible studies containing 2,408 patients to include in the meta-analysis. Results: The pooled results indicated that higher Gal-9 expression in cancer tissue associated with an improved CSS (HR=0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.58). In the subgroup analysis, a significant relationship was observed between higher Gal-9 expression and both CSS (HR=0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.59) and OS (HR=0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.78) in digestive cancers. Conclusions: The findings of this meta-analysis highlight the role of Gal-9 as a useful clinical prognostic biomarker, which may facilitate the treatment of patients with solid tumours.
Down-Regulation of Neuropathy Target Esterase in Preeclampsia Placenta Inhibits Human Trophoblast Cell Invasion via Modulating MMP-9 Levels
Authors: Zhong Ting , Chen Jiaxiang , Ling Yan , Yang Bei , Xie Xingxing , Yu Dainan , Zhang Dalei , Ouyang Jiexiu , Kuang Haibin
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Neuropathy target esterase (NTE, also known as neurotoxic esterase) is proven to deacylate phosphatidylcholine (PC) to glycerophosphocholine as a phospholipase B. Recently; studies showed that artificial phosphatidylserine/PC microvesicles can induce preeclampsia (PE)-like changes in pregnant mice. However, it is unclear whether NTE plays a key role in the pathology of PE, a pregnancy-related disease, which was characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion and reduced trophoblast-mediated remodeling of spiral arteries. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of NTE in the placenta from women with PE and normal pregnancy, and the molecular mechanism of NTE involved in the development of PE. Methods: NTE expression levels in placentas from 20 pregnant women with PE and 20 healthy pregnant women were detected using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. The effect of NTE on trophoblast migration and invasion and the underlying mechanisms were examined in HTR-8/SVneo cell lines by transfection method. Results: NTE mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in preeclamptic placentas than normal control. Over-expression of NTE in HTR-8/SVneo cells significantly promoted trophoblast cells migration and invasion and was associated with increased MMP-9 levels. Conversely, shRNA-mediated down-regulation of NTE markedly inhibited the cell migration and invasion. In addition, silencing NTE reduced the MMP-9 activity and phosphorylated Erk1/2 and AKT levels. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the decreased NTE may contribute to the development of PE through impairing trophoblast invasion by down-regulating MMP-9 via the Erk1/2 and AKT signaling pathway.
First record of the genus Sakia Khan, 1964 (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Iran, with proposal of Sakia arboris n. sp.
Authors: Panahandeh Yousef , Pourjam Ebrahim , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pedram Majid
Published: February 2018

The genus Sakia is recorded from Iran for the first time and Sakia arboris n. sp., recovered from two geographical points in northern Iran, is described. The new species is characterised by its smooth cuticle under light microscopy (LM), absence of lateral fields, head continuous with body contour, flattened lip region, 9.3 (9.0-10.0) μm long stylet, vulva at 60.2 (59.3-61.3)%, bilobed spermatheca, 117 (102-128) μm long tail, and 14.3 (14-15) μm long spicules. By lacking lateral fields, the new species comes close to three known species of the genus, namely: S. alii, S. castori and S. indica. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using sequences of the near full-length fragment of the small subunit of ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) and the D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) were performed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. In the reconstructed Bayesian tree using the 18S rDNA sequence of the type population, the new species occupied a position in a clade including two isolates of Sakia sp. and some species of Lelenchus, with maximal BPP and high ML BS values (1.00/99%). In the reconstructed 28S rDNA phylogenetic tree, two newly sequenced isolates of S. arboris n. sp. formed a well-supported clade with Lelenchus spp.
Female Monarchal Succession in Hellenistic and Jewish Society in Antiquity: Parallels and Contrasts
Authors: Liebowitz Etka
Published: February 2018

Starting with the Macedonian and Seleucid queens and continuing with the line of sovereign queens during the last 150 years of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the paradigm of a royal woman wielding power and even ascending to the throne was known and accepted in Hellenistic society. The reign of Queen Alexandra, which represents the only (successful) case of female monarchal succession to the throne in Jewish society in Antiquity, was undoubtedly influenced by this Hellenistic tradition. Based upon an analysis of Josephus’s writings and other sources, along with a critical feminist historiographical approach, this paper investigates how Jewish and Hellenistic queens resembled and differed from one another in their roles and characteristics.
Managing Giant Clams in the South China Sea
Authors: Lyons Youna , Cheong Denise , Neo Mei Lin , Wong Hiu Fung
Published: February 2018

Tridacna gigas, the world’s largest living bivalve, could once be found on shallow coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific Region where its presence can be traced back to around 10 million years. However, following several local extinctions throughout its geographic range, its SCS population appears to have also been the subject of unprecedented overharvesting. This article discusses the obligations of littoral States of the SCS to protect and preserve this threatened resource and its habitat, to cooperate and consult with each other to that effect and act with due diligence. Given these obligations and the risk of irreversible harm and species’ extinction in the SCS, it proposes that littoral States should proceed to list the SCS population of T. gigas in the CITES Appendix I, impose an immediate ban on further harvesting pending (re-)assessment of the population, and adopt a management plan to ensure its survival and sustainable use.
Notes on Matthiola spathulata Conti (Brassicaceae)
Authors: ZERAATKAR AMIN , ASSADI MOSTAFA
Published: February 2018

Matthiola spathulata Conti (1900: 49) was described as a new species in the first monograph of the genus. Apart from the type, which was collected from Iran, no other collections of the species have ever been recorded in the literature (Chernyakovskaya 1939; Cullen 1965; Rechinger 1968; Townsend 1980; Gowler 1998). During a revision of Matthiola W.T.Aiton for the Flora of Iran and neighboring countries, the authors studied many specimens of the genus from NW Iran and southern Armenia that fit the description and type of M. spathulata. Then, in the process of taxonomic studies of this genus, we found that M. iranica Zeraatkar et al. (2016: 145) and M. odoratissima var. dentata Boissier (1867: 149) are conspecific with M. spathulata. The slight differences in leaf morphology, noted in the description of M. odoratissima var. dentata, occurs sometimes throughout most of the range of M. spathulata. Rechinger (1968: 234) considered that M. odoratissima var. dentata and M. farinosa Bunge ex Boissier (1867: 150) as conspecific and cited the type gathering of the former among the studied material of the latter, but no formal synonymy has been proposed by him. Matthiola spathulata is closely related to M. odoratissima W.T.Aiton (1812: 120) but differs in its entire leaves, longer petals, pedicels and fruits (Figs. 1 & 2 M–N; see below). The former is quite different from M. odoratissima in morphological characters and distribution patterns. Matthiola spathulata is distributed in NW Iran and southern Armenia. By contrast, M. odoratissima is mostly distributed along the Black Sea coast (Fig. 2O). Finally, M. spathulata was previously known only from one locality in Iran and is recorded herein for the first time from Armenia.
Atlas Florae Europaeae notes 32. The revised identity of Sorbus lanuginosa (Rosaceae)
Authors: SENNIKOV ALEXANDER N. , SOMLYAY LAJOS
Published: February 2018

The infraspecific variability of common rowan, Sorbus aucuparia Linnaeus (1753: 477) (Rosaceae), is extensive and puzzling. In Europe, populations from some higher mountains and the arctic zone are commonly separated as S. aucuparia subsp. glabrata (Wimmer & Grabowski 1829: 21) Hedlund (1901: 45) on the basis of its nearly glabrous leaves with more serrate dentation (Meusel et al. 1965; Warburg & Kárpáti 1968; Mossberg & Stenberg 2003), although intermediate forms are common with the type subspecies, S. aucuparia subsp. aucuparia, which is characterized by regularly hairy leaves with more obtuse dentation (Vuokko & Hämet-Ahti 1998).
Linaria yusufeliensis, a replacement name for the Turkish Linaria turcica Makbul & Hamzaoğlu (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: GALÁN DE MERA ANTONIO , MAKBUL SERDAR , HAMZAOĞLU ERGİN
Published: February 2018

Linaria Miller (1754: without page) is currently included in the Plantaginaceae family. This genus consists of ca. 150 species mainly distributed in Europe, Northern Africa and Central and Western Asia, but introduced and naturalized in other regions of the world with temperate climate (Sáez & Bernal 2009). It comprises annual or perennial herbs, with flowering and non-flowering shoots. The flowers occur in bracteate racemes and have a zygomorphic corolla with a long spur, and the lower petal closing the corolla throat; winged or wingless seeds are produced in their pods (Rocio et al. 1999).
Tropicoporus drechsleri (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota), a new species in the “Inonotus linteus” complex from northern Argentina
Authors: SALVADOR-MONTOYA CARLOS A. , COSTA-REZENDE DIOGO H. , FERREIRA-LOPES VALÉRIA , BORBA-SILVA MARCO A. , POPOFF ORLANDO F.
Published: February 2018

Morphological revision and phylogenetic analyses, based on nrITS and nrLSU, of specimens previously considered to be member of the “Inonotus linteus” species complex from in South America reveal a new species of Tropicoporus, here named T. drechsleri. It is a parasitic polypore restricted to the seasonally dry tropical forests of subtropical South America. Illustrations, taxonomic analyses and a discussion are presented, and a key to the Tropicoporus species in the Neotropics is provided.
A new species of Digenea (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) based upon a molecular assessment and morphological observations of plants historically known as D. simplex in Bermuda
Authors: SCHNEIDER CRAIG W. , HAMZEH BILAL F. , LANE CHRISTOPHER E. , SAUNDERS GARY W.
Published: February 2018

Using mitochondrial COI-5P as a barcode marker, the red algal species previously identified as Digenea simplex in Bermuda is shown to be distinct from this species found in the Adriatic (type locality) and Mediterranean Seas, as well as other tropical locations worldwide. This finding led to a comparative study of the morphology of Bermuda specimens and D. simplex from the type locality, as well as other congeners. Our data show the Bermuda specimens to be morphologically, as well as genetically, distinct from D. simplex necessitating the description of D. arenahauriens sp. nov. for plants found in the islands and a single collection from the Caribbean Sea. It represents the first species partitioned from the “pantropical” D. simplex and we present genetic evidence of additional undescribed isolates in the species complex requiring further study.
Two new lithophytic species of the genus Peperomia (Piperaceae) from the state of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: GARCÍA-MARTÍNEZ ROBERTO , BEUTELSPACHER-BAIGTS CARLOS R. , CALLEJAS-POSADA RICARDO , MATHIEU GUIDO
Published: February 2018

Two new species of Peperomia from the state of Chiapas, Mexico, P. asarifolioides García-Martínez & Beutelspacher and P. pseudoasarifolia Callejas & G.Mathieu, are described and illustrated. Both are morphologically close to Peperomia asarifolia Schltdl & Cham. and specimens of both new species have been identified as that species in the past. However, recent field work and thorough herbarium study revealed them to be distinct species.
The Indian Hyalopeplini (Insecta, Heteroptera, Miridae, Mirinae): A preliminary review
Authors: YESHWANTH H. M. , CHÉROT F.
Published: February 2018

The tribe Hyalopeplini of the subfamily Mirinae (Insecta, Heteroptera: Miridae) from India is reviewed. Five genera and ten species are cited from the country, keyed, illustrated and diagnosed. Hyalopeplinus malayensis Carvalho in Carvalho & Gross, 1979 is cited for the first time from India.
Two new species of tribe Agalliini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Megophthalminae) with note on intraspecific variations
Authors: MESHRAM NARESH M. , RAI STUTI , RAJGOPAL N. N. , RAMYA N.
Published: February 2018

Two new species of leafhoppers, Durgades sineprocessus sp. nov. (From Himachal Pradesh: Kalpa) and Japanagallia dolabra sp. nov. (From Sikkim: Lachung) from India, are described and illustrated. Photographic illustrations of Durgades aviana Viraktamath and a detailed note on intraspecific variation in male genitalia of Austroagallia sinuata (Mulsant & Rey) are also provided. Material is deposited in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, India.
Rediscovery of Chaetostomus setosus Boulenger 1887 (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), and assessment of the external characters used for determination of genera within the Chaetostoma group
Authors: PROVENZANO FRANCISCO R.
Published: February 2018

During a survey of loricariid catfishes from Colombia, specimens that match the original description of Chaetostomus setosus Boulenger, 1887 were found. This is the first record after the original description. A redescription and a precise capture locality of the species are provided. The analysis of external characters indicate that the species belongs within the Chaetostoma group; however, specimens of C. setosus possess a mixture of external characters that make generic identification difficult. Tentatively, the species is allocated to the genus Cordylancistrus. External morphology of the known species that belong to the Chaetostoma group (mainly type specimens) was analyzed to find diagnostic characters that may be used for appropriate generic assignment. The results of this analysis are presented herein.
Development and Implementation of a Combined Master of Science and PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency Program at a Large Community Teaching Hospital
Authors: Gazda Nicholas P. , Griffin Emily , Hamrick Kasey , Baskett Jordan , Mellon Meghan M. , Eckel Stephen F. , Granko Robert P.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to share experiences after the development of a health-system pharmacy administration residency with a MS degree and express the need for additional programs in nonacademic medical center health-system settings. Summary: Experiences with the development and implementation of a health-system pharmacy administration residency at a large community teaching hospital are described. Resident candidates benefit from collaborations with other health-systems through master’s degree programs and visibility to leaders at your health-system. Programs benefit from building a pipeline of future pharmacy administrators and by leveraging the skills of residents to contribute to projects and department-wide initiatives. Tools to assist in the implementation of a new pharmacy administration program are also described and include rotation and preceptor development, marketing and recruiting, financial evaluation, and steps to prepare for accreditation. Conclusion: Health-system pharmacy administration residents provide the opportunity to build a pipeline of high-quality leaders, provide high-level project involvement, and produce a positive return on investment (ROI) for health-systems. These programs should be explored in academic and nonacademic-based health-systems.
Health professionals talk about the challenges of suicide prevention in two correctional centres in South Africa
Authors: Nieuwoudt Pieter , Bantjes Jason
Published: February 2018

Suicide is the leading cause of death among offenders in correctional facilities in many parts of the world. While epidemiological data have described the extent and scope of the problem, no research has documented the experiences and insights of health professionals who are tasked with providing care to suicidal offenders in South African correctional centres. It is within this context that we set out to document the experiences of a group of health professionals working in two correctional facilities in South Africa. We were interested in learning from them about their perceptions of the factors that contribute to suicidal behaviour among offenders and their suggestions for suicide prevention. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of health professionals ( N = 10). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and an inductive approach was adopted for coding the data. The participants describe a number of structural and contextual factors which they believe make correctional centres in South Africa unsafe, thus increasing the risk of suicidal behaviour among offenders and hindering suicide prevention efforts within the two correctional centres where data were collected. These factors include high levels of psychopathology, trauma, substance abuse, violence, gangsterism, overcrowding, inadequate mental health care resources, and problems relating to stigma. These findings highlight human rights and mental health issues facing offenders and draw attention to conditions within correctional centres that need attention as part of any national suicide prevention strategy in South Africa.
White Space and Dark Matter
Authors: Mascarenhas Michael
Published: February 2018

To a packed audience in Clark Hall, Sheila Jasanoff, a distinguished scholar and former president of the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S), gave the plenary address for “Where has STS Traveled,” a commemorative gathering of the fortieth anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the 4S. Not only was this meeting located in the very same (renovated) room as the first gathering, but also many of the original members had traveled from far and wide to Cornell University to reminisce and reflect on the academic field they had established, as well as imagine the possibilities of the next forty years. In response to a question about the direction of STS, Professor Jasanoff suggested that the 4S had not turned its reflective gaze inward to examine the politics of its own society, nor had it spent much effort interrogating the society’s contribution to social policy or enduring social problems. As I heard Jasanoff speak about our collective need for reflection and reflexivity, I had to wonder whether, and to what extent, we were ready to reflect on the subject matter of race and racism in this mostly color-blind field of inquiry.
Caught between sympathy and suspicion: journalistic perceptions and practices of telling asylum seekers’ personal stories
Authors: Pantti Mervi , Ojala Markus
Published: February 2018

Personal stories in news reports serve multiple purposes, but at their core lie efforts at illustrating and authenticating a social or political issue through human experience, an illustration that is compelling in its affective appeal. Telling the personal stories of people belonging to minority groups may work as a potent journalistic vehicle in countering negative stereotypes and prejudices against them. This article examines how Finnish journalists incorporate the personal stories of asylum seekers into their coverage of the so-called ‘European refugee crisis’ of 2015–2016. Drawing on qualitative interviews, we inquire into how journalists understand the meaning and purpose of asylum seekers’ personal stories in their news reporting and reflect on the professional values and ethical dilemmas when telling them. Our findings reveal that while journalists tend to sympathise with the vulnerable and see it as important to combat xenophobia and racism, their relationship with asylum seekers becomes increasingly informed and constrained by socio-political and discursive structures that foster a culture of suspicion towards asylum seekers.
Quantitative Evidence of Students’ Use of Social Networks and Social Categorization When Self-Selecting Teams
Authors: Neu Wayne A.
Published: February 2018

This article presents two studies aimed at understanding consequences of giving students complete decision-making authority to select team members for a team assignment. Study 1 concludes that students place a high level of importance on cognitively categorizing their classmates as those to approach and avoid when self-selecting teams, and they put forth a good deal of effort to actually approach some classmates and avoid others. The approach category forms for most students as they develop a team assignment social network comprised of classmates who are highly trusted and believed to be high in trustworthiness. Study 2 finds evidence that, in the absence of network members and prior knowledge of each other, students use social cues (style of dress) to cognitively categorize classmates and make inferences about their trustworthiness based on the category in which they are placed. Study 2 also finds that style of dress influences students’ trust in their classmates, preference for who they want on their team, and effort they would put forth to approach some classmates and avoid others. Implications and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Knot grasping, folding, and re-grasping
Authors: Wang Weifu , Balkcom Devin
Published: February 2018

This paper analyzes the physical resources necessary and sufficient to tie a knot of given structure. We present the first sufficient bound on the number of fingers required to tie a given knot; the bound is linear in the number of crossings appearing in the knot diagram for a given knot. We also present a lower bound on the required number of fingers, under a particular model of knot tying. We study how many re-grasps are sufficient to tie an arbitrary knot, and present an algorithm that can yield a small sufficient number of re-grasps to tie the given knot. Physical experiments in which different knots are tied and untied by robots, alone and in collaboration with a human, serve as a proof of concept to show the simplicity and correctness of the approach.
Male blues lyrics 1920 to 1965: A corpus based analysis
Authors: Bridle Marcus
Published: February 2018

This study examines corpora comprised of 795 lyrics from 35 male blues singers, recorded between 1920 and 1965. The study uses the concept of literary foregrounding (Leech, 2008) and the computer program Wmatrix (Rayson, 2009) to identify key semantic domains and key words in the lyrics before engaging in a qualitative analysis of concordances to analyse patterns of language use. Lyrics recorded in the pre-World War Two period (1920 to 1941) are contrasted with those recorded in the post-war period (1945 to 1965). The results suggest that the male blues lyrics of the period under investigation, and in particular the way in which they differ between the pre- and post-World War Two eras, might reflect the demographic changes of the African-American community of the time and their relationship with aspects of the dominant ideology.
Cohesive harmony and theme in Peter Carey’s ‘The last days of a famous mime’
Authors: Tilney Martin
Published: February 2018

Peter Carey’s ‘The last days of a famous mime’ is a short story that presents interpretative challenges. It hangs together as a text, but this coherence is minimal and has an important rhetorical effect that draws attention to the story’s literary meaning. This effect becomes the departure point for a linguistic analysis of the text, which aims to guide an interpretation of the story by focusing on the ways in which textual meanings are construed. Drawing on the systemic functional model of language, the text is analysed from the angles of cohesive harmony and theme. The analysis highlights a low degree of coherence as a central meaning, both at the level of discourse and within the fictional world. This finding leads to the interpretation of the text as a statement on the importance of social and emotional validation.
Capitalizing on the Most Important Part of a Learning Session: The Experience
Authors: Clapper Timothy C.
Published: February 2018

The experience is the most important part of the learning process. For learning to occur, the learner must do something with the information and reflect on the content throughout the process. To maximize the learning experience, we need to provide opportunities for reflection, both in-action, and on-action. As Montessori showed us long ago, the resources and experiences provided in the safe, properly prepared learning environment can create multiple opportunities for growth.
Two Strategies for Qualitative Content Analysis: An Intramethod Approach to Triangulation
Authors: Renz Susan M. , Carrington Jane M. , Badger Terry A.
Published: February 2018

The overarching aim of qualitative research is to gain an understanding of certain social phenomena. Qualitative research involves the studied use and collection of empirical materials, all to describe moments and meanings in individuals’ lives. Data derived from these various materials require a form of analysis of the content, focusing on written or spoken language as communication, to provide context and understanding of the message. Qualitative research often involves the collection of data through extensive interviews, note taking, and tape recording. These methods are time- and labor-intensive. With the advances in computerized text analysis software, the practice of combining methods to analyze qualitative data can assist the researcher in making large data sets more manageable and enhance the trustworthiness of the results. This article will describe a novel process of combining two methods of qualitative data analysis, or Intramethod triangulation, as a means to provide a deeper analysis of text.
Pediatric Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Halted by Etanercept
Authors: Gavigan Geneviève M. , Kanigsberg Nordau D. , Ramien Michele L.
Published: February 2018

We report a case of an 11-year-old female with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) overlap, most likely triggered by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, who was treated with the combination of methylprednisolone, cyclosporine, and etanercept. Her condition stabilized and her skin involvement did not progress after the addition of etanercept. To our knowledge, this is the first report of etanercept for pediatric SJS/TEN.
Measurement of soluble CD59 in CSF in demyelinating disease: Evidence for an intrathecal source of soluble CD59
Authors: Zelek Wioleta M , Watkins Lewis M , Howell Owain W , Evans Rhian , Loveless Sam , Robertson Neil P , Beenes Marijke , Willems Loek , Brandwijk Ricardo , Morgan B Paul
Published: February 2018

Background:

CD59, a broadly expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, is the principal cell inhibitor of complement membrane attack on cells. In the demyelinating disorders, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), elevated complement protein levels, including soluble CD59 (sCD59), were reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Objectives:

We compared sCD59 levels in CSF and matched plasma in controls and patients with MS, NMOSD and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and investigated the source of CSF sCD59 and whether it was microparticle associated.

Methods:

sCD59 was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Hycult; HK374-02). Patient and control CSF was subjected to western blotting to characterise anti-CD59-reactive materials. CD59 was localised by immunostaining and in situ hybridisation.

Results:

CSF sCD59 levels were double those in plasma (CSF, 30.2 ng/mL; plasma, 16.3 ng/mL). Plasma but not CSF sCD59 levels differentiated MS from NMOSD, MS from CIS and NMOSD/CIS from controls. Elimination of microparticles confirmed that CSF sCD59 was not membrane anchored.

Conclusion:

CSF levels of sCD59 are not a biomarker of demyelinating diseases. High levels of sCD59 in CSF relative to plasma suggest an intrathecal source; CD59 expression in brain parenchyma was low, but expression was strong on choroid plexus (CP) epithelium, immediately adjacent the CSF, suggesting that this is the likely source.
Best practice approaches for reporting disasters
Authors: Ewart Jacqui , McLean Hamish
Published: February 2018

Much of the research about disasters has focused on the poor and unethical practices of journalists reporting on disasters, but relatively little has been written about best practice approaches to news media coverage of such events. This article uses two sources of data, interviews with senior emergency managers in eight countries and the body of research on news media coverage of disasters, to develop a best practice schema for journalists reporting disasters in two phases – before they occur and as they unfold. There is relatively little research on best practice approaches to reporting disasters; therefore, we also include the literature about news media coverage of disasters as this enabled identification of key problems with reportage of disasters. We conclude this article with suggestions about how this schema might be further refined and note some additional areas for research that might be pursued as a result of the best practice approach.
Emotion and practice
Authors: Molander Susanna , Hartmann Benjamin Julien
Published: February 2018

While emotions are a central facet of consumer culture, relatively little is known about how they are tied to the embodied and tacit aspects of everyday living. This article explores how practices organize emotions and vice versa. Pairing Schatzki’s teleoaffective structure with emotions understood as intensities that are deeply inscribed in the structural blueprints of practices, we propose that the organization of emotions and practices is recursive and based on three teleoaffective episodes: anticipating, actualizing, and assessing. To illustrate this, we present an analysis of empirical material from an ethnographic study on mothering. The practice–emotion link we unfold contributes to understanding the operation of emotions in consumer culture by specifying how practices and emotions are co-constitutive. This offers novel insights into the embodied and routinized nature of emotions, illuminates the connection between practices and individuals, and highlights the role of emotions in practice change.
Increased plasma FGF21 level as an early biomarker for insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance in obese insulin-resistant rats
Authors: Tanajak Pongpan , Pongkan Wanpitak , Chattipakorn Siriporn C , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: February 2018

Propose:

To investigate the temporal relationship between plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance in long-term high-fat diet–induced obese rats.

Methods:

In total, 36 male Wistar rats were fed with either a normal diet or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Blood was collected from the tail tip, and plasma was used to determine metabolic profiles and fibroblast growth factor 21 levels. Rats were sacrificed at weeks 4, 8 and 12, and the hearts were rapidly removed for the determination of cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling pathways.

Results:

Body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels were increased after 4 weeks of consumption of a high-fat diet. At weeks 8 and 12, high-fat diet rats had significantly increased body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, together with increased plasma insulin, HOMA index, area under the curve of glucose, plasma total cholesterol, plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum malondialdehyde and cardiac malondialdehyde levels. However, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling proteins (p-FGFR1 Tyr154, p-ERK1/2 Thr202/Tyr204 and p-Akt Ser473) were decreased, compared with normal diet rats.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels could be an early predictive biomarker prior to the development of insulin resistance, metabolic disturbance and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance.
The Potential Mediating Impact of Future Orientation on the ACE–Crime Relationship
Authors: Craig Jessica M.
Published: February 2018

Prior research has established that having a low future orientation is associated with offending. Additionally, it has been found that being exposed to adverse childhood events such as physical abuse may lower one’s future orientation and increase one’s offending likelihood. One gap in this line of research concerns the potential mediating role of future orientation on the relationship between trauma and offending. The current study fills this gap in the literature using a sample of adjudicated delinquents from a large southern state. The results from the study partially support the hypotheses; while future orientation lowers the likelihood of offending and trauma exposure increases offending likelihood, future orientation does not appear to mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and crime. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Patient perspectives on the role of community pharmacists for antidepressant treatment: A qualitative study
Authors: Guillaumie Laurence , Ndayizigiye Alice , Beaucage Clément , Moisan Jocelyne , Grégoire Jean-Pierre , Villeneuve Denis , Lauzier Sophie
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Patients prescribed antidepressant drug treatment (ADT) for major depression report several needs in relation to their treatment, and a large proportion of these patients will end ADT prematurely. Community pharmacists may play an important role in monitoring ADT and supporting these patients. However, little is known about patient experiences of the services provided in community pharmacies. The objectives of this study were to 1) explore patients’ experiences with the services community pharmacists provide for ADT and 2) identify potential avenues for improvement of pharmacists’ services within the context of ADT.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was conducted among individuals diagnosed with major depression who had initiated ADT at some point in the 12 months prior to their participation in the study. A total of 14 persons recruited in a local health centre and a community-based organization participated in individual interviews. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted.

Results:

Pharmacists tend to concentrate their involvement in treatment at initiation and at the first refill when questions, uncertainties and side effects are major issues. Patients felt that the pharmacists’ contributions consisted of providing information and reassurance; in these respects, their needs were met. Participants had few ideas as to what additional services pharmacists could implement to improve patients’ experience with ADT. Patients’ sole expectations were that pharmacists extend this information role to the whole length of the treatment and enhance the confidentiality of discussions in pharmacy.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists should provide counselling throughout the entire treatment rather than passively waiting for patients to ask their questions. However, facilitation of open discussions may not be achieved unless confidentiality at pharmacies is secured.
Female infertility
Authors: Hardway Michael , Younas Kinza
Published: February 2018

Subfertility affects 1 in 6 couples in the UK. In the initial GP consultation it is helpful to see both partners together, although this may be difficult in a single 10 minute consultation. In 39% of couples, both male and female factors are responsible for subfertility, with male factors accounting for 30% of subfertility problems. Although this article will focus on female factors, male assessment is important, and a semen sample is one of the first steps in an assessment. If an abnormality is detected in the semen analysis, the test is normally repeated and if confirmed a secondary care referral is required. In 70% of cases a female factor will be the primary cause, and this article will focus on female factors in the more detailed management of subfertility.
Challenges of the pharmacological management of benzodiazepine withdrawal, dependence, and discontinuation
Authors: Fluyau Dimy , Revadigar Neelambika , Manobianco Brittany E.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most prescribed sedative hypnotics and among the most misused and abused medications by patients, in parallel with opioids. It is estimated that more than 100 million Benzodiazepine (BZD) prescriptions were written in the United States in 2009. While medically useful, BZDs are potentially dangerous. The co-occurring abuse of opioids and BZD, as well as increases in BZD abuse, tolerance, dependence, and short- and long-term side effects, have prompted a worldwide discussion about the challenging aspects of medically managing the discontinuation of BZDs. Abrupt cessation can cause death. This paper addresses the challenges of medications suggested for the management of BZD discontinuation, their efficacy, the risks of abuse and associated medical complications. The focus of this review is on the challenges of several medications suggested for the management of BZD discontinuation, their efficacy, the risks of abuse, and associated medical complications.

Methods:

An electronic search was performed of Medline, Worldwide Science, Directory of Open Access Journals, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, and PubMed from 1990 to 2017. The review includes double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for the most part, open-label pilot studies, and animal studies, in addition to observational research. We expand the search to review articles, naturalistic studies, and to a lesser extent, letters to the editor/case reports. We exclude abstract and poster presentations, books, and book chapters.

Results:

The efficacy of these medications is not robust. While some of these medicines are relatively safe to use, some of them have a narrow therapeutic index, with severe, life-threatening side effects. Randomized studies have been limited. There is a paucity of comparative research. The review has several limitations. The quality of the documents varies according to whether they are randomized studies, nonrandomized studies, naturalistic studies, pilot studies, letters to the editors, or case reports.

Conclusions:

The use of medications for the discontinuation of BZDs seems appropriate. It is a challenge that requires further investigation through randomized clinical trials to maximize efficacy and to minimize additional risks and side effects.
Electricity as (Big) Data: Metering, spatiotemporal granularity and value
Authors: Kragh-Furbo Mette , Walker Gordon
Published: February 2018

Electricity is hidden within wires and networks only revealing its quantity and flow when metered. The making of its properties into data is therefore particularly important to the relations that are formed around electricity as a produced and managed phenomenon. We propose approaching all metering as a situated activity, a form of quantification work in which data is made and becomes mobile in particular spatial and temporal terms, enabling its entry into data infrastructures and schemes of evaluation and value production. We interrogate the transition from the pre-digital into the making of bigger, more spatiotemporally granular electricity data, through focusing on those actors selling and materialising new metering technologies, data infrastructures and services for larger businesses and public sector organisations in the UK. We examine the claims of truth and visibility that accompany these shifts and their enrolment into management techniques that serve to more precisely apportion responsibility for, and evaluate the status of, particular patterns and instances of electricity use. We argue that whilst through becoming Big Data electricity flow is now able to be known and given identity in significantly new terms, enabling new relations to be formed with the many heterogeneous entities implicated in making and managing energy demand, it is necessary to sustain some ambivalence as to the performative consequences that follow for energy governance. We consider the wider application of our conceptualisation of metering, reflecting on comparisons with the introduction of new metering systems in domestic settings and as part of other infrastructural networks.
Accuracy in local staging of prostate cancer by adding a three-dimensional T2-weighted sequence with radial reconstructions in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jäderling Fredrik , Nyberg Tommy , Öberg Michael , Carlsson Stefan , Skorpil Mikael , Blomqvist Lennart
Published: February 2018

Background

The evidence supporting the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prostate cancer detection has been established, but its accuracy in local staging is questioned.

Purpose

To investigate the additional value of multi-planar radial reconstructions of a three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted (T2W) MRI sequence, intercepting the prostate capsule perpendicularly, for improving local staging of prostate cancer.

Material and Methods

Preoperative, bi-parametric prostate MRI examinations in 94 patients operated between June 2014 and January 2015 where retrospectively reviewed by two experienced abdominal radiologists. Each patient was presented in two separate sets including diffusion-weighted imaging, without and with the 3D T2W set that included radial reconstructions. Each set was read at least two months apart. Extraprostatic tumor extension (EPE) was assessed according to a 5-point grading scale. Sensitivity and specificity for EPE was calculated and presented as receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with area under the curve (AUC), using histology from whole-mount prostate specimen as gold standard. Inter-rater agreement was calculated for the two different reading modes using Cohen’s kappa.

Results

The AUC for detection of EPE for Readers 1 and 2 in the two-dimensional (2D) set was 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, and for the 2D + 3D set 0.62 and 0.65, respectively. Inter-rater agreement (Reader 1 vs. Reader 2) on EPE using Cohen’s kappa for the 2D and 2D + 3D set, respectively, was 0.42 and 0.17 (i.e. moderate and poor agreement, respectively).

Conclusion

The addition of 3D T2W MRI with radial reconstructions did not improve local staging in prostate cancer.