bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smelling multiple sclerosis: Different qualities of olfactory function reflect either inflammatory activity or neurodegeneration
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Berek Klaus , Hegen Harald , Teuchner Barbara , Auer Michael , Wurth Sebastian , Di Pauli Franziska , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas
Published: November 2018

Background:

Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and olfactory function are both emerging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). Impairment of odor identification and discrimination is an irreversible feature of more advanced MS suggested to be associated with neurodegeneration, while olfactory threshold is a transient feature of early, active MS possibly associated with short-term inflammatory disease activity.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to validate the association of olfactory (dys)function and parameters of MS disease course in a large cohort of MS patients and to correlate olfactory function with pRNFL thickness as a surrogate biomarker of neurodegeneration.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional design, olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks test, which quantifies three different qualities of olfactory function (threshold, discrimination, and identification). pRNFL thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results were correlated with age, sex, disease duration, relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), cognitive function, depression, smoking, and pRNFL thickness by multivariable linear regression models.

Results:

We included 260 MS patients (mean age of 35.9 years, 68.7% female). Olfactory threshold correlated significantly with number of relapses in the year prior to assessment and shorter disease duration. Odor discrimination, identification, and their sum score were significantly correlated with longer disease duration, higher EDSS, and reduced cognitive function. pRNFL thickness was associated with identification and discrimination, but not with threshold.

Conclusion:

Olfactory threshold is a marker of short-term inflammatory relapse activity unrelated to parameters of neurodegeneration, while odor identification and discrimination are markers of neurodegeneration mostly independent of relapse activity. Assessment of olfactory function provides an opportunity to stratify MS patients with regard to inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Primary care utilization and clinical quality performance: a comparison between health centres in Medicaid expansion states and non-expansion states
Authors: Lee De-Chih , Shi Leiyu , Liang Hailun
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The United States Government’s Medicaid expansion policy has important implications for health centres, since a large proportion of health centre patients are Medicaid enrollees. The objective of this study was to compare primary care utilization and clinical quality performance between health centres in Medicaid expansion states and those in Medicaid non-expansion states.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study. Multiple regressions, using a standard linear model, were performed to examine the relationship between Medicaid expansion status and performance measures, accounting for covariates.

Results

Our results showed that in unadjusted analyses, health centres in Medicaid expansion states reported larger number of patients served, larger number of medical visits, a higher percentage of Medicaid patients, and better performance in seven of 16 clinical quality measures than those in Medicaid non-expansion states. After controlling for relevant health centre-level covariates, the differences in mean patients served, mean medical visits, percentage of Medicaid patients, and five clinical quality measures still existed.

Conclusions

These findings reveal significant associations between Medicaid expansion and primary care utilization and the quality of care. Medicaid expansion has demonstrated its potential role in promoting primary care for vulnerable populations served by health centres.
Identifying whale-watching tourist differences to maximize return on investment
Authors: Tkaczynski Aaron , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: November 2018

To maximize return on investment, tourism stakeholders should target tourists who yield the highest dividends. Extending research that focused on understanding environmental concerns at the expense of economic return expected at the destination, this study drew on a range of segmentation bases to ensure a holistic tourist view was gained. A total of 727 whale-watching tourists were segmented, and four valid segments were identified. A fifth targeting criterion (sustainability) was proposed to extend Kotler’s ((1988) Marketing Management: Analysis, Planning, Implementation, and Control. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.) targeting criteria. Although all segments were interested in whale watching and conserving the natural environment, the wealthy domestic family segment was the largest and most reachable group. These tourists also had the highest income and they were highly educated, suggesting a focus on this segment will optimize return on investment while conserving the natural environment.
Stationary response of nonlinear Markovian jump system under wide-band random excitation
Authors: Hu RC , Gu XD
Published: November 2018

An approximate procedure for predicting the stationary response of a stochastically excited nonlinear Markovian jump system under wide-band random excitation is proposed. Firstly, a weighted-average system in probability can be established to approximate the original one. Then by using the stochastic averaging method, the weighted-average system was reduced to the one described by a one-dimensional averaged Itô equations. The approximate stationary probability densities of the original system are obtained for different jump rules by solving the associated Fokker–Plank–Kolmogorov equation. Finally, an example of Markovian jump Duffing system excited by wide-band random excitation to illustrate the proposed method in detail and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via comparing the analytical results with those from Monte Carlo simulation.
The spreading residue harmonic balance method for studying the doubly clamped beam-type N/MEMS subjected to the van der Waals attraction
Authors: Qian YH , Pan JL , Qiang Y , Wang JS
Published: November 2018

Since the doubly clamped beam-type N/MEMS subjected to the van der Waals attraction is transformed into a mathematical model through Galerkin method, which is a nonlinear differential equation, the spreading residue harmonic balance method is introduced to solve the approximate solution of the nonlinear problem in this paper. The spreading residue harmonic balance method is developed on the basis of the residue harmonic balance method. The disadvantage of the approach is small parameter assumption is needed. In order to improve the accuracy of the approximate solution, the residual of the former order harmonic approximation is introduced. Besides, we compare the second-order spreading residue harmonic balance method solution with the numerical one by the Runge–Kutta method. This proves the availability and validity of spreading residue harmonic balance method.
3MAX catheter for thromboaspiration of downstream and new territory emboli after mechanical thrombectomy of large vessel occlusions: initial experience
Authors: Settecase Fabio
Published: November 2018

Distal emboli and emboli to new territories occur in up to 14% and 11% of large vessel occlusion mechanical thrombectomies, respectively. A retrospective review was conducted of 18 consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion acute stroke undergoing mechanical thrombecomy, subsequently developing distal emboli and/or emboli to new territory for which thromboaspiration using the 3MAX catheter was performed. Eighteen distal emboli and two emboli to new territory in 18 patients were treated in the distal M2 and M3 middle cerebral artery, pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries, and P2 posterior cerebral artery (all arteries ≥1.5 mm in diameter). 3MAX thromboaspiration was successful in 13/18 distal emboli and 2/2 emboli to new territory (total 15/20, 75%). 3MAX thromboaspiration resulted in improvement in the final modified treatment in cerebral ischaemia (mTICI) score in 14/18 patients (78%) compared with the initial mTICI score after large vessel occlusion thrombectomy. A shift towards higher final mTICI scores was seen with 3MAX catheter aspiration of distal emboli in this series. The initial mTICI score after large vessel occlusion thrombectomy was 2A in 4/18 (22%) patients and 2B in 14/18 (78%) patients. The final mTICI score after distal emboli/emboli to new territory aspiration improved to 2B in 7/18 (39%) patients, 2C in 3/18 (17%) patients and 3 in 8/18 (44%) patients. No procedural complications were noted. In 13 patients with successful distal emboli/emboli to new territory thromboaspiration, a 90-day modified Rankin score of 0–2 was seen in 10 patients (77%). In five patients with unsuccessful distal emboli/emboli to new territory aspiration, a 90-day modified Rankin score of 0–2 was seen in three patients (60%). 3MAX thromboaspiration of select distal emboli and emboli to new territories is feasible. Larger prospective studies are needed to establish the clinical benefit and safety of this approach.
Calcium phosphate product level as a predictor for arteriovenous fistula re-operations in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Tüysüz Mehmet Erin , Dedemoğlu Mehmet
Published: November 2018

Objectives

There is an increased calcium phosphate product level causing the formation of calcification in the arterial wall and thus decreased quality of fistula in patients with chronic renal failure. The purpose of our study is to verify the relationship between arteriovenous fistula re-operation and high calcium phosphate product level.

Methods

Seventy-nine consecutive patients with chronic renal failure between April 2016 and February 2018 were included in the study. Patients having calcium phosphate product level ≥50 mg2/dl2 were defined as group 1, whereas those having <50 mg2/dl2 were defined as group 2. Primary outcome of interest was the need for re-operation during the follow-up and to determine the risk factors for re-operation. To determine independent predictors for re-operation, multivariate logistic regression model was used.

Results

The rates of redo and tredo operation were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 ( p = 0.01 and 0.04). In multivariate analysis, phosphate (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.00–3.40, p = 0.05) and triglyceride (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, p = 0.04) levels for redo operation and calcium phosphate product level (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.22, p = 0.03) for tredo operation were found to be independent predictors.

Conclusions

High calcium phosphate product level leads to increased risk of arteriovenous fistula re-operation by causing arterial stiffness in this patient group. Additionally, these re-operations place additional burden on morbidity and cost efficacy. Thus, we recommend keeping the calcium phosphate product level at the optimal level in these patients to avoid both the risk of arteriovenous fistula re-operation and the other cardiovascular problems.
Lipoteichoic acid of Enterococcus faecalis inhibits osteoclastogenesis via transcription factor RBP-J
Authors: Wang Shuai , Heng Boon Chin , Qiu Shuqi , Deng Jing , Shun Pan Cheung Gary , Jin Lijian , Zhao Baohong , Zhang Chengfei
Published: November 2018

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Enterococcus faecalis is a potent stimulator of inflammatory responses, but the effects of E. faecalis LTA on osteoclastogenesis remains far from well understood. This study showed that E. faecalis LTA significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis of wild type murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in the presence of a high dose of RANKL, while the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by E. faecalis LTA was significantly removed in BMMs with deficient expression of the transcription factor RBP-J. In addition, a few small osteoclasts were generated in BMMs with only E. faecalis LTA stimulation, presumably due to the production of TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, both p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways were activated after 24 h of E. faecalis LTA treatment, but these signaling pathways were not activated after 6 d of treatment with RANKL in mature osteoclasts. In conclusion, E. faecalis LTA, which induces inflammatory response, could inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via RBP-J in BMMs.
The Undiscovered Country: An Analysis of the Nature of the Resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:35–58
Authors: Cantu Nathaniel Alejandro
Published: November 2018

In 1 Corinthians 15:35–58, Paul combats disagreement in the Corinthian church over the nature of the resurrection. Paul’s argument for the physicality of the resurrection, and his location of the individual’s resurrection within a larger transformation and restoration of all creation, changes how the contemporary church understands and teaches Christian hope, sanctification, and mission.
Evolution of a Novel Tissue Preservation Protocol to Optimize Osteochondral Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Cinats David , Miller Sue , Abusara Ziad , Heard S. Mark , Hutchison Carol , Schachar Norman , Timmermann Scott
Published: November 2018

Objective

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a procedure to treat focal osteochondral lesions (OCLs), but is limited by tissue availability, the quality of transplanted tissue, and inconsistent storage protocols. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of a novel tissue procurement, storage, and quality control protocol in treating OCLs.

Design

Prospective case series. Donor cadaveric tissue was processed, stored, and the tissue quality analyzed using the unique tissue preservation protocol developed at our institution. Advanced cross-sectional imaging was used to size match donor tissue with recipient patients. Osteochondral allografts were transplanted using the Arthrex Allograft OATS. Patients were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) preoperatively and at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively.

Results

Twenty patients (17 knees, 3 shoulders) were included in the study. There was a significant improvement in the following scores: overall WOMAC score, WOMAC function and pain subcategories; KOOS pain, knee-related symptoms, activities of daily living, sports and recreation, and quality of life; SF-36 physical functioning, physical role, pain, and social functioning subcategories; and VAS at all time points postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in WOMAC stiffness at 2 years postoperatively. There were 2 failures, defined by graft subsidence and persistent pain requiring reoperation.

Conclusion

The protocol developed at our institution for OAT resulted in significant clinical improvement in patients with OCLs and is an improvement on existing tissue storage techniques.
Global commission on drug policies misses the mark
Authors: Scholten Willem
Published: November 2018

The Global Commission on Drug Policy launched a report on The world drug ( perception) problem, countering prejudices about people who use drugs, which includes remarks on the avoidance of stigmatizing terminology. Although many aspects of the report are helpful in moving the field forward, the report itself is full of stigmatizing terminology and ill-defined terms.
Democratic governance in an age of datafication: Lessons from mapping government discourses and practices
Authors: Redden Joanna
Published: November 2018

There is an abundance of enthusiasm and optimism about how governments at all levels can make use of big data, algorithms and artificial intelligence. There is also growing concern about the risks that come with these new systems. This article makes the case for greater government transparency and accountability about uses of big data through a Government of Canada qualitative research case study. Adapting a method from critical cartographers, I employ counter-mapping to map government big data practices and internal discussions of risk and challenge. I do so by drawing on interviews and freedom of information requests. The analysis reveals that there are more concerns and risks than often publicly discussed and that there are significant areas of silence that need greater attention. The article underlines the need for our democratic systems to respond to our new datafied contexts by ensuring that our institutions make changes to better protect citizen rights, uphold democratic principles and ensure means for citizen intervention.
Five Years Experience With Meek Grafting in the Management of Extensive Burns in an Adult Burn Center
Authors: Houschyar Khosrow Siamak , Tapking Christian , Nietzschmann Ina , Rein Susanne , Weissenberg Kristian , Chelliah Malcolm Pyles , Duscher Dominik , Maan Zeshaan Naeem , Philipps Hubertus Maria , Sheckter Clifford Charles , Reichelt Beate , Branski Ludwik Krzysztof , Siemers Frank
Published: November 2018

Background:

In extensive burn injuries with lack of donor sites for skin grafting, the Meek technique of skin expansion can be an efficient and effective method in covering extensive wounds. The aim of this retrospective study was to present our experience with the Meek technique of grafting.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients from our burn center who underwent Meek grafting between 2012 and 2016. Demographics, burn details, clinical course, operative management, and outcomes were collected and analyzed from patient records and operative notes. Outcome measures, including graft take rate, complications and need for further surgery, were recorded.

Results:

Twelve patients had Meek grafting. The average age was 38 years (range: 15-66). The average percent total body surface area burned was 54.3% (range: 31%-77%). Eighty-three percent of grafted areas healed well, and no regrafting was necessary. In the remaining 17%, infection and hematoma were the leading cause of graft failure.

Conclusions:

Meek grafting constitutes a rapid and efficient surgical approach for the skin coverage of extensive full-thickness burn injuries with limited autograft donor sites.
Yield and Cost-effectiveness of Computed Tomography Colonography Versus Colonoscopy for Post Colorectal Cancer Surveillance
Authors: Beck J. Robert , Ross Eric A. , Kuntz Karen M. , Popp Jonah , Zauber Ann G. , Bland Joseph , Weinberg David S.
Published: November 2018

Purpose. As part of a clinical trial comparing the utility of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and optical colonoscopy (OC) for post colorectal cancer resection surveillance, we explored the diagnostic yield and costs of a strategy of CTC followed by OC if a polyp is observed (abbreviated CTC_S), versus OC 1 year following curative bowel resection, using the detection of actionable polyps on OC as the criterion. Methods. Using data from 231 patients who underwent same-day CTC followed by OC, we created a decision tree that outlined the choices and outcomes at 1-year clinical follow-up. Colorectal polyp prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity of CTC were compared with five exemplary studies and meta-analyses. Detection criteria were derived for ≥6 mm or ≥10 mm polyps. OC was the gold standard. Costs were gleaned from cataloging components of the cases at the principal investigator’s institution. Analyses included marginal cost of the OC strategy to detect additional actionable polyps and number of polyps missed per 10,000 patients. Results. At our prevalence of 0.156 for ≥6 mm (0.043 ≥10 mm), CTC_S would miss 779 ≥6 mm actionable polyps per 10,000 patients (≥10 mm: 173 per 10,000). Cost to detect an additional ≥6 mm polyp in this cohort is $5,700 (≥10 mm: $28,000). Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that any improvement in performance characteristics would raise the cost of OC to detect more actionable polyps. Similar results were seen using Medicare costs, or when literature values were used for performance characteristics. Conclusion. At an action threshold of ≥6 mm, OC costs at least $5,700 per extra polyp detected relative to CTC_S in patients undergoing surveillance after colorectal cancer surgery, on the order of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios found for other clinical problems involving short-term events.
Biomechanical study of magnetohydrodynamic Prandtl nanofluid in a physiological vessel with thermal radiation and chemical reaction
Authors: Ramesh K , Gnaneswara Reddy M , Devakar M
Published: November 2018

This article is intended to study the peristaltic motion of a Prandtl nanoliquid through an inclined tapered asymmetric channel. The simultaneous effects such as magnetic field, thermal radiation and chemical reactions have been considered. The geometrical model is considered as tapered asymmetric channel because this situation is observed in the flow of uterine fluid in the uterus. The equations governing the flow are simplified under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The simplified equations are complex in nature, so that the numerical solutions are presented for the simplified nonlinear partial differential equations considering slip and convective boundary conditions using computational software Mathematica via shooting method. The sundry parameters on the flow quantities have been discussed in detail through graphical and tabular forms. The observed results show that rise in the magnetic effects leads to a reduction in velocity. The radiation parameter decreases the temperature and there is an increment in the pressure gradient with an increase in energy Grashof number. This study is encouraged by exploring the nanofluid dynamics in peristaltic transport as symbolized by heat transport in biological flows, novel pharmacodynamic pumps and gastrointestinal motility enhancement.
Urothelial cancer: Once there were urologists, now oncologists joined, what about nephrologists?
Authors: Cosmai Laura , Launay-Vacher Vincent , Porta Camillo
Published: November 2018

Urothelial cancer is a family of neoplasms characterized by an extremely high incidence of kidney impairment throughout its whole natural history; furthermore, surgical and medical treatments may often worsen kidney function or cause renal adverse events. The role of the nephrologist would be key to support urologists and oncologists toward a really multidisciplinary management of these patients. First, nephrologists could help to deal with episodes of acute kidney injury, or of a worsening of chronic kidney disease due to obstruction/infections, episodes which are quite common in patients with non-muscle-invasive tumors undergoing several trans-uretral resections. In muscle-invasive neoplasms, the nephrologist could contribute to reduce the number of patients unsuitable for cisplatin-based neo-adjuvant (or adjuvant) chemotherapy or of those who cannot complete the scheduled treatment due to a deterioration in their kidney function. In patients receiving nephrectomy (in the case of upper urinary tract neoplasms) or cystectomy (in the case of bladder cancers), renal function deterioration is also extremely frequent; post-operative hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, and uretero-enteric strictures indeed represent other potentially modifiable factors associated with a decrease in kidney function. Finally, in the metastatic setting, the nephrological management of renal toxicities from systemic therapies, including novel immune-checkpoint inhibitors, would also be increasingly important. Here, we highlight the need for the involvement of the nephrologist in the complex management of these patients, thus advocating for a really comprehensive multidisciplinarity.
Electronic cigarettes: a task force report from the European Respiratory Society
Authors: Bals Robert , Boyd Jeanette , Esposito Susanna , Foronjy Robert , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Jiménez-Ruiz Carlos A. , Katsaounou Paraskevi , Lindberg Anne , Metz Carlos , Schober Wolfgang , Spira Avrum , Blasi Francesco
Published: November 2018

There is a marked increase in the development and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic cigarettes (ECIGs). This statement covers electronic cigarettes (ECIGs), defined as “electrical devices that generate an aerosol from a liquid” and thus excludes devices that contain tobacco. Database searches identified published articles that were used to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of ECIG use; their ingredients and accompanied health effects; second-hand exposure; use of ECIGs for smoking cessation; behavioural aspects of ECIGs and social impact;in vitroand animal studies; and user perspectives.

ECIG aerosol contains potentially toxic chemicals. As compared to conventional cigarettes, these are fewer and generally in lower concentrations. Second-hand exposures to ECIG chemicals may represent a potential risk, especially to vulnerable populations. There is not enough scientific evidence to support ECIGs as an aid to smoking cessation due to a lack of controlled trials, including those that compare ECIGs with licenced stop-smoking treatments. So far, there are conflicting data that use of ECIGs results in a renormalisation of smoking behaviour or for the gateway hypothesis. Experiments in cell cultures and animal studies show that ECIGs can have multiple negative effects. The long-term effects of ECIG use are unknown, and there is therefore no evidence that ECIGs are safer than tobacco in the long term. Based on current knowledge, negative health effects cannot be ruled out.
Airway microbiome in adult survivors of extremely preterm birth: the EPICure study
Authors: Rofael Sylvia A.D. , McHugh Timothy D. , Troughton Rachael , Beckmann Joanne , Spratt David , Marlow Neil , Hurst John R.
Published: November 2018

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication of preterm birth that leads to lifelong respiratory morbidity. The EPICure study has investigated the longitudinal health outcomes of infants born extremely preterm (EP; <26 weeks gestation). Our aim was to characterise the airway microbiome in young adults born extremely preterm, with and without neonatal BPD, in comparison to matched term-born controls.

Induced sputum was collected from 92 young adults aged 19 years (51 EP and 41 controls). Typical respiratory pathogens were detected using quantitative PCR. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was completed on 74 samples (29 EP with BPD; 9 EP without BPD; and 36 controls).

The preterm group with BPD had the least diverse bacterial communities. The relative abundance of Bacteriodetes, particularlyPrevotella melaninogenicawas significantly lower in the preterm group compared to controls. This decline was balanced by a nonsignificant increase in Firmicutes.TotalPrevotellarelative abundance correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s z-score (ρ=0.272; p<0.05). Typical respiratory pathogen loads and prevalence were similar between groups.

In conclusion,extremely preterm birth is associated with a significant dysbiosis in airway microbiome in young adulthood regardless of neonatal BPD status. This is characterised by a shift in the community composition away from Bacteriodetes as manifested in a significant drop inPrevotellarelative abundance.
Dynamic Notch signalling regulates neural stem cell state progression in the Drosophila optic lobe
Authors: Contreras Esteban G. , Egger Boris , Gold Katrina S. , Brand Andrea H.
Published: November 2018

Background

Neural stem cells generate all of the neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system, both during development and in the adult to maintain homeostasis. In the Drosophila optic lobe, neuroepithelial cells progress through two transient progenitor states, PI and PII, before transforming into neuroblasts. Here we analyse the role of Notch signalling in the transition from neuroepithelial cells to neuroblasts.

Results

We observed dynamic regulation of Notch signalling: strong activity in PI progenitors, low signalling in PII progenitors, and increased activity after neuroblast transformation. Ectopic expression of the Notch ligand Delta induced the formation of ectopic PI progenitors. Interestingly, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Neuralized, regulates Delta levels and Notch signalling activity at the transition zone. We demonstrate that the proneural transcription factor, Lethal of scute, is essential to induce expression of Neuralized and promote the transition from the PI progenitor to the PII progenitor state.

Conclusions

Our results show dynamic regulation of Notch signalling activity in the transition from neuroepithelial cells to neuroblasts. We propose a model in which Lethal of scute activates Notch signalling in a non-cell autonomous manner by regulating the expression of Neuralized, thereby promoting the progression between different neural stem cell states.
Marijuana and head and neck cancer: An epidemiological review
Authors: Xie Michael , Gupta Michael K. , Archibald Stuart D. , Stanley Jackson B. , Young James Edward Massey , Zhang Han
Published: November 2018

Background

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in Canada. To date, no conclusive study has looked at the epidemiologic basis of marijuana use and head and neck cancer (HNC). Due to the imminent recreational legalization of marijuana in Canada, the epidemiologic relationship between marijuana use and HNC is becoming increasingly important.

Objective

To examine the epidemiologic characteristics of HNC patients who are recreational marijuana users.

Methods

This study was conducted at a single tertiary care centre from 2011 to 2014. Patients were enrolled consecutively at time of diagnosis of malignancy. Data was prospectively collected and included socioeconomic factors, alcohol/tobacco history, tumor characteristics, and treatment modality. Marijuana use was defined as current usage on an at least weekly basis.

Results

Eight hundred seventy-nine patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy-four (8.4%) patients were classified as marijuana users. Compared to non-users, marijuana users were less likely to be married ( p = 0.048) and had less significant tobacco smoking history ( p = 0.004). There were no significant differences between other socioeconomic factors or local and regional disease ( p > 0.05). Marijuana users differed in the proportion of cancers stratified by primary site ( p < 0.0001), with higher rates of p16+ oropharyngeal cancers, and treatment modality ( p < 0.0001), with more use of chemoradiation.

Conclusions

HNC patients who were marijuana users were less likely to be married and smoke tobacco. They have a distinct cancer site prevalence and are more likely to be treated by chemoradiation. Understanding the epidemiological breakdown of marijuana users amongst HNC patients will be a useful adjunct for future studies.
Mineralogical and textural controls on spectral induced polarization signatures of the Canadian Malartic gold deposit: Applications to mineral exploration
Authors: Bérubé Charles L. , Olivo Gema R. , Chouteau Michel , Perrouty Stéphane
Published: November 2018

Applications of the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method to mineral exploration are limited by our knowledge of the relationships among rock texture, mineral composition, and electrical properties. Laboratory SIP responses were measured on rock samples from the Canadian Malartic gold deposit. Field SIP responses were also measured at the outcrop scale, along a profile that intersects a well-studied mineralized zone. The mineralogy and the texture of sedimentary rocks from this deposit were quantitatively determined with mineral liberation analysis. A systematic decrease (Pearson [Formula: see text]) in total chargeability with increasing fraction of the sulfide mineral interfaces associated with feldspar minerals (namely, K-feldspar and albite) was observed. On the other hand, total chargeability increased with the fraction of sulfide mineral interfaces associated with carbonates and micas (Pearson [Formula: see text]). At Canadian Malartic, proximal alteration in the mineralized zones is marked by rocks that lack a foliation plane and that were subjected to pervasive K-feldspar, albite, and pyrite alteration. In contrast, distal alteration in sedimentary rocks is marked by biotite, albite, carbonate, and pyrite that are oriented along the regional [Formula: see text] foliation. In the least-altered (LA) sedimentary rocks, quartz and biotite are associated with pyrrhotite and ilmenite as the main sulfide and oxide mineral phases, respectively. SIP measurements conducted at district and outcrop scales and along a drill core indicated that proximally altered sedimentary rocks were characterized by low total chargeability values ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in the laboratory and [Formula: see text] in the field). In contrast, the LA sedimentary rocks were characterized by total chargeability values up to [Formula: see text] in the laboratory and [Formula: see text] in the field. We conclude that mineralized zones associated with this type of ore deposit are characterized by low chargeability anomalies.
Semiology, clustering, periodicity and natural history of seizures in an experimental occipital cortical epilepsy model
Authors: Chang Bao-Luen , Leite Marco , Snowball Albert , Lieb Andreas , Chabrol Elodie , Walker Matthew C. , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Schorge Stephanie , Wykes Robert C.
Published: November 2018

Focal neocortical epilepsy is a common form of epilepsy and there is a need to develop animal models that allow the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies to treat this type of epilepsy. Tetanus toxin (TeNT) injection into rat visual cortex induces focal neocortical epilepsy without preceding status epilepticus. The latency to first seizure ranged from 3 to 7 days. Seizure duration was bimodal, with both short (approximately 30s) and long-lasting (>100s) seizures occurring in the same animals. Seizures were accompanied by non-motor features such as behavioural arrest, or motor seizures with or without evolution to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures were commoner during the sleep phase of a light-dark cycle. Seizure occurrence was not random, and tended to cluster with significantly higher probability of recurrence within 24 hours of a previous seizure. Across animals, the number of seizures in the first week could be used to predict the number of seizures in the following 3 weeks. The TeNT model of occipital cortical epilepsy is a model of acquired focal neocortical epilepsy well suited for preclinical evaluation of novel anti-epileptic strategies. We provide here a detailed analysis of the epilepsy phenotypes, seizure activity, electrographic features, and the semiology. In addition we provide a predictive framework that can be used to reduce variation and consequently animal use in pre-clinical studies of potential treatments.
Identifying communities from multiplex biological networks by randomized optimization of modularity
Authors: Didier Gilles , Valdeolivas Alberto , Baudot Anaïs
Published: November 2018

The identification of communities, or modules, is a common operation in the analysis of large biological networks. The Disease Module Identification DREAM challenge established a framework to evaluate clustering approaches in a biomedical context, by testing the association of communities with GWAS-derived common trait and disease genes. We implemented here several extensions of the MolTi software that detects communities by optimizing multiplex (and monoplex) network modularity. In particular, MolTi now runs a randomized version of the Louvain algorithm, can consider edge and layer weights, and performs recursive clustering.

On simulated networks, the randomization procedure clearly improves the detection of communities. On the DREAM challenge benchmark, the results strongly depend on the selected GWAS dataset and enrichment p-value threshold. However, the randomization procedure, as well as the consideration of weighted edges and layers generally increases the number of trait and disease community detected.

The new version of MolTi and the scripts used for the DMI DREAM challenge are available at: https://github.com/gilles-didier/MolTi-DREAM.
Ovarian ageing and the impact on female fertility
Authors: Vollenhoven Beverley , Hunt Sarah
Published: November 2018

Female fertility decreases with increasing age, a reflection of declining oocyte quantity and quality. The menopausal transition occurs when the oocyte quantity falls below a threshold level. The pattern of follicular depletion as well as the factors, timing and mechanisms surrounding both declining oocyte number and oocyte quality remain incompletely understood. Further studies are needed to examine the factors involved and develop predictive models and biomarkers to assist in the management of age-related subfertility. This review summarises the current knowledge addressing the ageing ovary and its impact on fertility.
The InterMine Android app: Cross-organism genomic data in your pocket
Authors: Komkova Daria , Lyne Rachel , Sullivan Julie , Yehudi Yo , Micklem Gos
Published: November 2018

InterMine is a data integration and analysis software system that has been used to create both inter-connected and stand-alone biological databases for the analysis of large and complex biological data sets. Together, the InterMine databases provide access to extensive data across multiple organisms. To provide more convenient access to these data from Android mobile devices, we have developed the InterMine app, an application that can be run on any Android mobile phone or tablet. The InterMine app provides a single interface for data access, search and exploration of the InterMine databases. It can be used to retrieve information on genes and gene lists, and their relatives across species. Simple searches can be used to access a range of data about a specific gene, while links to the InterMine databases provide access to more detailed report pages and gene list analysis tools. The InterMine app thus facilitates rapid exploration of genes across multiple organisms and kinds of data.
Mapping targets for small nucleolar RNAs in yeast
Authors: Dudnakova Tatiana , Dunn-Davies Hywel , Peters Rosie , Tollervey David
Published: November 2018

Background: Recent analyses implicate changes in the expression of the box C/D class of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in several human diseases.

Methods: Here we report the identification of potential novel RNA targets for box C/D snoRNAs in budding yeast, using the approach of UV crosslinking and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH) with the snoRNP proteins Nop1, Nop56 and Nop58. We also developed a bioinformatics approach to filter snoRNA-target interactions for bona fide methylation guide interactions.

Results: We recovered 241,420 hybrids, out of which 190,597 were classed as reproducible, high energy hybrids. As expected, the majority of snoRNA interactions were with the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Following filtering, 117,047 reproducible hybrids included 51 of the 55 reported rRNA methylation sites. The majority of interactions at methylation sites were predicted to guide methylation. However, competing, potentially regulatory, binding was also identified. In marked contrast, following CLASH performed with the RNA helicase Mtr4 only 7% of snoRNA-rRNA interactions recovered were predicted to guide methylation. We propose that Mtr4 functions in dissociating inappropriate snoRNA-target interactions. Numerous snoRNA-snoRNA interactions were recovered, indicating potential cross regulation. The snoRNAs snR4 and snR45 were recently implicated in site-directed rRNA acetylation, and hybrids were identified adjacent to the acetylation sites. We also identified 1,368 reproducible snoRNA-mRNA interactions, representing 448 sites of interaction involving 39 snoRNAs and 382 mRNAs. Depletion of the snoRNAs U3, U14 or snR4 each altered the levels of numerous mRNAs. Targets identified by CLASH were over-represented among these species, but causality has yet to be established.

Conclusions: Systematic mapping of snoRNA-target binding provides a catalogue of high-confidence binding sites and indicates numerous potential regulatory interactions.
Typification of the Linnaean name Ambrosinia bassii and other nomenclatural remarks in the genus Ambrosinia (Araceae)
Authors: Troia Angelo , Schicchi Rosario , Geraci Anna
Published: November 2018

Although Ferdinando Bassi is the nomenclatural authority for the genus Ambrosina, the correct spelling of the name should be the Linnaean “Ambrosinia”. A lectotype is designated for A. bassii, the only species currently recognized. In addition, two lectotypes, two epitypes and one neotype are designated for other names of taxa currently treated within the infra‐specific variability of A. bassii.
Typification and nomenclatural notes on Psidium cattleyanum (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Tuler Amélia Carlos , Proença Carolyn Elinore Barnes , Tavares Carrijo Tatiana , Peixoto Ariane Luna
Published: November 2018

Psidium cattleyanum is a species of Myrtaceae native to the eastern coast of Brazil, widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the world due to its economic potential to be commercially exploited. Despite its importance, the name has not previously been typified. A lectotype is designated, and the correct spelling of the epithet is shown to be “cattleyanum” not “cattleianum” as was originally published.
O Conceito de \infinitésimos Associado ao Software GeoGebra em uma aula experimental de Cálculo
Authors: Quintino de Oliveira Junior Rogerio Luiz
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo teve como motivação o desejo do autor de ensinar os conceitos da disciplina de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral 1 (CDI 1) de uma maneira mais tangível aos alunos, principalmente aqueles que estão vindo do Ensino Médio. Observando a dificuldade que os estudantes encontram em entender o significado de limites, elaborou-se uma aula experimental de CDI 1 baseada no conceito de infinitésimos e apoiada pelo software de matemática GeoGebra. Foi abordada, primeiramente, a operação de derivação, depois a integral definida e, por último, o cálculo de alguns limites usando séries de potências e infinitésimos. Este trabalho foi fundamentado na dificuldade do processo de significação dos conceitos de CDI 1 encontrada no ensino atual.
La experiencia corpórea de enfermedad: un abordaje desde la fenomenología de Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Passerino Leila Martina
Published: November 2018

El artículo reflexiona en torno a la experiencia de la enfermedad desde la fenomenología de Merleau-Ponty. Experiencia del orden de lo disruptivo, que introduce la dimensión de la inhabitualidad, la enfermedad se asume como reconfiguración necesaria del esquema corporal En el marco de una investigación acerca de la experiencia de mujeres con diagnóstico cáncer de mama, se problematiza dicha vivencia en vinculación directa con la biomedicina moderna que circunscribe la enfermedad a un cuerpo objetivo. El tema de la corporeidad se torna en la discusión central. La propuesta merleaupontyana del cuerpo vivido o fenomenal como sujeto experiencial, permite una apertura hacia derroteros a explorar, permitiendo repensar los procesos de salud/enfermedad y tomando distancia de acepciones de índole restitutivas.
A Verdade como fundamento abissal em Heidegger
Authors: Reis Cunha Ana Cristina
Published: November 2018

É colossal o empreendimento de Heidegger, pensar o ser no seu ser, reeditando o radicalismo de uma atitude questionadora e pensante esquecida. Indagar o insondável é próprio do homem e disso são exemplo os pensadores matinais que este autor revisitou ao procurar as primeiras tentativas de exegese do ser. Heidegger desafia-nos a perguntar pelo que não aparece, tendo presente o conhecido fragmento de Heraclito: «A φύσις gosta de se ocultar».Em Heidegger, a verdade é fundamento abissal. Para melhor o entender este complexo pensamento heideggeriano é crucial analisar como interpreta o autor a temática do ser e da verdade, bem como a verdade como doação e retração e, finalmente, a verdade como sem-fundo, fundamento sem fundamento, fundamento abissal. A verdade do ser é a essência da verdade. A verdade como fundamento abissal indicia, com a sua aura de inefabilidade, de inescrutabilidade, o excesso ontológico, o mistério do ser.
Filosofia, existência e finitude: Eugen Fink e a legitimidade de uma antropologia filosófica
Authors: Weber José Fernandes
Published: November 2018

Tendo por referência a obra Fenômenos fundamentais da existência humana, de Eugen Fink, busca-se explicitar o projeto finkiano de legitimação de uma antropologia filosófica. A partir do modo como Husserl e Heidegger compreendem a especificidade de uma atitude filosófica fenomenológica, apresenta-se a recusa de Fink às críticas de Husserl e Heidegger ao projeto de elaboração de uma antropologia filosófica. Por fim, apresenta-se a compreensão finkiana de existência, vinculando-a a noção de finitude. Com isso, se esclarece, não a especificidade da antropologia filosófica de Fink, mas antes, seu esforço preliminar da sua legitimação filosófica.
Outramente dito: a teoria da tradução de Paul Ricoeur
Authors: Coelho Carlos Cardozo
Published: November 2018

Nossa hipótese central neste artigo segue, não por acaso, uma das primeiras frases do livro de Ricoeur dedicado à questão da tradução. Nesta frase o filósofo afirma: a tradução é uma “aposta difícil e, por vezes, impossível de aceitar” (RICOEUR, 2004, p.10). Todas as interpretações vindouras serão norteadas por esta proposição, pois partiremos da premissa, de que a tradução – analogamente a comunicação – é uma aposta difícil, ou, quem sabe, impossível. Esta discussão entre o possível e o impossível, ou entre o possível, o difícil e o impossível, será o fio condutor de toda a nossa interpretação desta questão tal qual aparece na obra de Ricoeur.
Editorial
Authors: Santos Leandro Assis
Published: November 2018

Editorial
A inversão das máximas em Os meus sentimentos, de Dulce Maria Cardoso
Authors: Bozzo Gabriela Cristina Borborema
Published: November 2018

A inversão das máximas apresenta-se emOs meus sentimentos como ferramentapara desnudar a realidade sócio-históricaportuguesa. Procuramos investigar amáxima, a sua inversão e averiguá-la emnosso corpus. Para tanto, embasamo-nosem três linhas de estudo: o projetoartístico da escritora, com Liquidez,reconfigurações e pluralidades: arepresentação identitária da sociedadeportuguesa em O chão dos pardais, deDulce Maria Cardoso, de Gonçalves Neto eGama; a máxima, com A máxima; suasvariedades, seu emprego, sua utilidade, deAristóteles, La Rochefoucauld: reflexões ousentenças e máximas, de Barthes, e ACiropédia de Xenofante: um romance deformação na Antiguidade, de Cerdas; e ainversão da máxima com The americanface of Aesop: Thurber’s Fables andTradition, de Carnes.
Discursos sobre literatura: relações entre cânone e gênero textual
Authors: Timm Mateus Robaski
Published: November 2018

Este artigo busca relacionar textos quesistematizaram muitos autores deliteratura em relativamente pouco espaçotextual. Os períodos abordados são aincipiente historiografia da literaturabrasileira, a década de 1950 com osestudos sobre prosa de ficção e o debatecontemporâneo acerca da literaturabrasileira. Nos textos analisados foi feitauma busca por aproximações oudistanciamentos das estratégias utilizadasna configuração de discursos quetrabalham com um corpus de autores e deobras. A reflexão sobre os tipos deapresentação discursiva para a literaturaambiciona mostrar como um gênerotextual conduz a um corpus de escritoresadequados à sua proposta teórica.