bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensor insole for measuring temporal variables and vertical force during sprinting
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Morin Jean-Benoit
Published: January 2018

Temporal variables and vertical ground reaction force have been used as measures characterizing sprinting. A recently developed wireless pressure sensor insole (sensor insole) could be useful for monitoring sprinting in terms of temporal variables and vertical ground reaction force during training sessions. The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of the sensor insole for measuring temporal and vertical force variables during sprinting. One athlete performed five 50-m sprints, and the step-to-step vertical ground reaction force and plantar pressure were simultaneously measured by a long-force platform system (reference device) and the sensor insole, respectively. The temporal and vertical ground reaction force variables were calculated using signals from both devices, and a comparison was made between values obtained with both devices for 125 steps analyzed. The percentage bias, 95% limits of agreement, and Bland–Altman plots showed low agreement with the reference device for all variables except for step frequency. For the vertical ground reaction force variables, the sensor insole underestimated the values (−18.9 to −48.3%) compared to the force platform. While support time and time to maximal vertical force from the foot strike were overestimated by the sensor insole (54.6 ± 8.0% and 94.2 ± 23.2%), flight time was underestimated (−48.2 ± 15.0%). Moreover, t-test revealed the significant difference in all variables between the sensor insole and force platform, except for step frequency. The bias for step frequency (0.4 ± 7.5%) was small. However, there was heteroscedasticity for all variables. The results from this study demonstrate that a wireless pressure sensor insole is generally not valid to measure the temporal and vertical force variables during sprinting. Thus, using the examined sensor insole for monitoring sprinting characteristics is not recommended at this time.
Interferon gamma, an important marker of response to immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma patients
Authors: Karachaliou Niki , Gonzalez-Cao Maria , Crespo Guillermo , Drozdowskyj Ana , Aldeguer Erika , Gimenez-Capitan Ana , Teixido Cristina , Molina-Vila Miguel Angel , Viteri Santiago , De Los Llanos Gil Maria , Algarra Salvador Martin , Perez-Ruiz Elisabeth , Marquez-Rodas Ivan , Rodriguez-Abreu Delvys , Blanco Remedios , Puertolas Teresa , Royo Maria Angeles , Rosell Rafael
Published: January 2018

Background:

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) may be induced by oncogenic signals or can be upregulated via interferon gamma (IFN-γ). We have explored whether the expression of IFNG, the gene encoding IFN-γ, is associated with clinical response to the immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma patients. The role of inflammation-associated transcription factors STAT3, IKBKE, STAT1 and other associated genes has also been examined.

Methods:

Total RNA from 17 NSCLC and 21 melanoma patients was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. STAT3 and Rantes, YAP1 and CXCL5, DNMT1, RIG1 and TET1, EOMES, IFNG, PD-L1 and CTLA4, IKBKE and NFATC1 mRNA were examined. PD-L1 protein expression in tumor and immune cells and stromal infiltration of CD8+ T-cells were also evaluated. Progression-free survival and overall survival were estimated.

Results:

A total of 17 NSCLC patients received nivolumab and 21 melanoma patients received pembrolizumab. Progression-free survival with nivolumab was significantly longer in NSCLC patients with high versus low IFNG expression (5.1 months versus 2 months, p = 0.0124). Progression-free survival with pembrolizumab was significantly longer in melanoma patients with high versus low IFNG expression (5.0 months versus 1.9 months, p = 0.0099). Significantly longer overall survival was observed for melanoma patients with high versus low IFNG expression (not reached versus 10.2 months p = 0.0183). There was a trend for longer overall survival for NSCLC patients with high versus low IFNG expression.

Conclusions:

IFN-γ is an important marker for prediction of response to immune checkpoint blockade. Further research is warranted in order to validate whether IFNG is more accurate than PD-L1.
Transatlantic Differences in Management of Carotid Stenosis: BRIDGing the Gap in StrokE Management (BRIDGE) Project
Authors: Balucani Clotilde , Arnedo Vanessa , Weedon Jeremy , Leys Didier , Mas Jean-Louis , Brown Martin , Grotta James C. , Gonzales Nicole R. , Hacke Werner , Brott Thomas , Levine Steven R.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose:

Management of carotid stenosis remains controversial despite several trials evaluating carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid angioplasty/stenting (CAS). We compared attitudes in the management of carotid stenosis between selected experts within Europe and North America.

Methods:

A 3-phase Delphi survey was e-mailed to select stroke experts from Europe (n = 390) and North America (n = 289). Those completing the initial survey were shown all responses after each survey round. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement.

Results:

For phases 1, 2, and 3, response rates were 32%, 62%, and 73%, respectively. Overall, 100 (15%) of 679 participated in all 3 phases, 19% Europeans versus 9% North Americans ( P = .0007). The European group reached consensus in 6 of 15 statements; The North American group reached consensus in 4 of 15. Ninety percentage of Europeans versus 70% of North Americans ( P = .017) stated CEA is superior to CAS for symptomatic carotid stenosis. This difference was not significant in the final model (adjusted odds ratio: 3.72 [95% confidence interval: 0.95-14.5]). Sixty-nine percentage of North Americans agreed there is a stronger indication for CAS over CEA in patients younger than 65 years for symptomatic carotid stenosis, whereas 55% of Europeans ( P = .023) disagreed. For asymptomatic carotid stenosis, when asked how likely they would recommend CAS, 62% North Americans said “sometimes” versus 60% of Europeans said “never” ( P = .06).

Conclusion:

The majority of North American and European respondents did not consider the 2 procedures equivalent and seemed to indicate that CEA was preferred for the management of carotid stenosis. These findings need to be further explored to help establish evidence-based guidelines.
Hidden Medical Devices in the School Setting: What the School Nurse Needs to Know About the Safe Use of Baclofen Pumps
Authors: Obst Barbara , Roesler Megan
Published: January 2018

One of the “hidden” medical devices in the school setting is the baclofen pump, which is used for the treatment of spasticity. The goals of spasticity treatment are to decrease muscle tone, deformity, and pain in order to maximize function and ease of care for both child and caregiver. The use of an intrathecal baclofen pump, often for children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain injury, or stroke, has been effective in spasticity treatment. It is important for school nurses to be aware of the safety implications associated with this type of device. The Specialized Health Needs Interagency Collaboration (SHNIC) program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute has complied education and materials that explain the use of baclofen pumps in children with spasticity and the role of the school nurse in providing staff training, developing emergency care plans, and creating a safe school environment for children with special health needs.
National estimates of self-reported sitting time in adults with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sasaki JE , Motl RW , Cutter G , Marrie RA , Tyry T , Salter A
Published: January 2018

Background

Limited data exist on the prevalence and distribution of sedentary behavior (SB) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

The objective of this paper is to describe sitting time as a metric of SB in a large national sample of people with MS.

Methods

A total of 8004 individuals from the North American Research Committee on MS (NARCOMS) Registry completed the sitting time question from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in spring 2015. We present descriptive data on sitting time for the total sample and across sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.

Results

The final sample included 6483 individuals. Of these, 36.7% were classified with mild disability, 24.7% with moderate disability, and 38.6% with severe disability. Median sitting time for the total sample was 480 min/day (P25 = 310 min/day, P75 = 720 min/day). Sitting time was highest for individuals with MS who were male (540 min/day), not married (540 min/day), had a disease duration >30 years (540 min/day), were underweight (540.5 min/day), had an annual income of < $15,000 (585 min/day), presented with a progressive form of MS (600 min/day), were classified as insufficiently active (600 min/day), or presented with severe disability (661 min/day).

Conclusion

Sitting time is twice as high in individuals with MS compared to the general population (240 min/day).
Effects of Self-Directed Video Prompting on Vocational Task Acquisition
Authors: Heider Amy E. , Cannella-Malone Helen I. , Andzik Natalie R.
Published: January 2018

Efficient vocational skills instruction is needed to meet the needs of a growing number of job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study examined the effects of self-directed video prompting used to teach transition-age students with IDD chained vocational tasks. A multiple probe design across behaviors was replicated across two students. Both students mastered iPhone navigation after observing a model and completing two to three sessions in a training phase. After training, students independently navigated the iPhone and played video prompts. Both students made substantial progress on all three tasks, reaching 100% accuracy in two of the tasks.
In the fetal thymus, Gli3 in thymic epithelial cells promotes thymocyte positive selection and differentiation by repression ofShh
Authors: Solanki Anisha , Yanez Diana C. , Ross Susan , Lau Ching-In , Papaioannou Eleftheria , Li Jiawei , Saldaña José Ignacio , Crompton Tessa
Published: January 2018

Gli3 is a Hedgehog (Hh) responsive transcription factor that can function as a transcriptional repressor or activator. We show that Gli3 activity in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) promotes positive selection and differentiation from CD4+CD8+ to CD4+CD8- single positive (SP4) cell in the fetal thymus and that Gli3 represses Shh. Constitutive deletion of Gli3, and conditional deletion of Gli3 from TEC, reduced differentiation to SP4, whereas conditional deletion of Gli3 from thymocytes did not. Conditional deletion of Shh from TEC increased differentiation to SP4, and expression of Shh was upregulated in the Gli3-deficient thymus. Use of a transgenic Hh-reporter showed that the Hh pathway was active in thymocytes, and increased in the Gli3-deficient fetal thymus. Neutralisation of endogenous Hh proteins in the Gli3-/- thymus restored SP4 differentiation, indicating that Gli3 in TEC promotes SP4 differentiation by repression of Shh. Transcriptome analysis showed that Hh-mediated transcription was increased but TCR-mediated transcription decreased in Gli3-/- thymocytes compared to WT.
Acute respiratory failure following scorpion stings: Anaphylaxis or severe systemic envenomation?
Authors: Castillo Austin , Attaluri Pradeep
Published: January 2018

Scorpion stings can cause a range of reactions which includes severe systemicenvenomation resulting in respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, and severe neurologiccomplications. Patients with allergies to scorpion venom or allergies to bee and ant venomcan have anaphylactic reactions following scorpion stings. We report a patient who developedsevere respiratory distress following 2-3 scorpion stings on her face. She required anemergency cricothyroidotomy and prolonged hospitalization, related in part to underlyingcomorbidity. Physicians caring for patients following scorpion stings need to remember thatthese patients can have severe reactions to the venom, including anaphylactic reactions. Theinitial management likely involves respiratory and cardiac resuscitation. These patients mayhave a very difficult intubation and require an emergency surgical airway.
A Prescription for Note Bloat: An Effective Progress Note Template
Authors: Kahn Daniel , Stewart Elizabeth , Duncan Mark , Lee Edward , Simon Wendy , Lee Clement , Friedman Jodi , Mosher Hilary , Harris Katherine , Bell John , Sharpe Bradley , El‐Farra Neveen
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

United States hospitals have widely adopted electronic health records (EHRs). Despite the potential for EHRs to increase efficiency, there is concern that documentation quality has suffered.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of an educational session bundled with a progress note template on note quality, length, and timeliness.

DESIGN

A multicenter, nonrandomized prospective trial.

SETTING

Four academic hospitals across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Intern physicians on inpatient internal medicine rotations at participating hospitals.

INTERVENTION

A task force delivered a lecture on current issues with documentation and suggested that interns use a newly designed best practice progress note template when writing daily progress notes.

MEASUREMENTS

Note quality was rated using a tool designed by the task force comprising a general impression score, the validated Physician Documentation Quality Instrument, 9‐item version (PDQI‐9), and a competency questionnaire. Reviewers documented number of lines per note and time signed.

RESULTS

Two hundred preintervention and 199 postintervention notes were collected. Seventy percent of postintervention notes used the template. Significant improvements were seen in the general impression score, all domains of the PDQI‐9, and multiple competency items, including documentation of only relevant data, discussion of a discharge plan, and being concise while adequately complete. Notes had approximately 25% fewer lines and were signed on average 1.3 hours earlier in the day.

CONCLUSIONS

The bundled intervention for progress notes significantly improved the quality, decreased the length, and resulted in earlier note completion across 4 academic medical centers.
The Effects of Autoscaling in Cloud Computing
Authors: Fazli Amir , Sayedi Amin , Shulman Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2018

Web-based firms often rely on cloud-based computational resources to serve customers, but the number of customers they will serve is rarely known at the time of product launch. A recent innovation in cloud computing, known as autoscaling, allows companies to automatically scale their computational load up or down to match customer demand. We build a game theory model to examine how autoscaling will affect firms’ decisions to enter a new market and the resulting equilibrium prices, profitability, and consumer surplus. The model produces novel results depending on the likelihood of a firm’s success in the new market, differentiation among potential entrants, and the cost of computational capacity. For instance, in contrast to previous capacity commitment models with demand certainty, we show that autoscaling can mitigate price competition if the likelihood of a firm’s success in the market is moderate and the cost of capacity is sufficiently low. This is because without autoscaling, the firms’ uncertainty about demand would lead to excessive computational capacities and thus aggressive price competition. We also find that when the likelihood of success is sufficiently high, autoscaling facilitates entry for one firm yet deters a second firm from simultaneously entering the market.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2891 .

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Lobbying on Regulatory Enforcement Actions: Evidence from U.S. Commercial and Savings Banks
Authors: Lambert Thomas
Published: January 2018

This paper analyzes the relationship between bank lobbying and supervisory decisions of regulators and documents its moral hazard implications. Exploiting bank-level information on the universe of commercial and savings banks in the United States, I find that regulators are 44.7% less likely to initiate enforcement actions against lobbying banks. This result is robust across measures of lobbying and accounts for endogeneity concerns by employing instrumental variables strategies. In addition, I show that lobbying banks are riskier and reliably underperform their nonlobbying peers. Overall, these results appear rather inconsistent with an information-based explanation of bank lobbying, but consistent with the theory of regulatory capture.

This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Acceptance of caesarean section among pregnant women in Nigeria
Authors: Omobolanle Olajubu A , Adekemi Olowokere E , Tolulope Adetona E , Idowu Olowokere E , Oluwafemi Olajubu T
Published: January 2018

Background:

Maternal mortality is unacceptably high in low-resource countries. This is disturbing, considering that some of these deaths are preventable through caesarean section.

Aims:

To determine the perception and factors associated with the acceptance of caesarean section among high-risk pregnant women.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used and 300 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings:

The majority (80.3%) of respondents accepted caesarean section as a mode of birth, of which 47.3% would accept reluctantly if there was clinical indication. The acceptance of caesarean section had its strongest relationship with lack of information (P<0.001; ø=-0.285), followed by religious restriction (P<0.001; ø=-0.218), and partner's support/opinion (P<0.001; ø=-0.209).

Conclusions:

Most of the respondents perceived caesarean section positively, and accepted it as a mode of birth. Many also identified factors influencing their acceptance of the procedure.
Uptake of cervical cancer screening among women attending a provincial hospital in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mantula Fennie , Mwisongo Aziza
Published: January 2018

Background:

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and is a leading cause of death in developing countries, with 80% of those affected dying from the disease. In Zimbabwe, it accounts for 33.5% of all cancers affecting women. Cervical cancer can be reduced significantly through implementation of effective screening programmes; although such programmes often suffer from resource constraints.

Aim:

To determine the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women attending Gwanda Provincial Hospital which uses the visual inspection with acetic acid and cervicography (VIAC) method.

Methodology:

The study sample consisted of 203 sexually active women aged 18 years and above. Data collection employed a researcher administered questionnaire which yielded a response rate of 96.7%.

Results:

Of the 203 participants, only 18.7% had been screened, with 14.3% having accessed VIAC screening. However, 62.2% of the participants had heard of cervical cancer, and 74.4% had heard of the VIAC programme. Screening was lowest among multiparous women and increased as the number of children decreased (P=0.03). Uptake of screening was also significantly associated with residential area (P=0.03). The strongest predictor of screening was prior knowledge of cervical cancer (P<0.001). Lack of adequate knowledge on cervical cancer and the VIAC screening programme were found to be the greatest barrier to the uptake of screening.

Conclusions:

Uptake of screening among women was low despite a high awareness of cervical cancer and the VIAC programme.
Satisfaction with family planning services in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Baruda Fasika , Dibaba Yohannes , Tamiru Dessalegn , Jisha Hunduma
Published: January 2018

Background:

Measuring client satisfaction is becoming an integral part of health system improvement strategies across the world.

Aims:

To investigate determinants of client satisfaction with family planning service at Sodo Wereda public health facilities.

Methods:

This was a facility-based, cross-sectional quantitative study that used semi-structured questionnaires supplemented with qualitative data. Data were collected from 421 women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Multivariable regression was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables.

Findings:

Overall, levels of satisfaction were 67%, which was significantly associated with information given, type of family planning methods, discussion with partner, and short waiting time. In total, 53% of women were well informed about services; 69% found the clinic opening hours convenient and 66% were satisfied with the duration of the consultation.

Conclusions:

The study revealed low satisfaction in Sodo district. Providing effective counselling, with adequate information to enable informed choice, involving partners, and providing a range of methods should be considered.
Niobium â€“ plausiblity for use in restorative dentistry
Authors: A Meenakshi , C Sabarigirinathan , V.P Kiruthiga
Published: January 2018

Rare earth elements have gained enormous popularity in the recent years because of their excellent mechanical properties along with their inertness, which easily makes them biocompatible in the oral environment. Niobium is in use in the biomedical field in small proportions with other primary elements but not as principal constituent. In this review the credibility of the element Niobium as a restorative material its advantages over others currently in use in dentistry is explained by reviewing the literature. This paper also reviews about the castability and biocompatibility of niobium (Nb) in detail.
ISLAMIC EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY OF COASTAL SOUTH JAVA (a Case Study of Coastal South Regency in Purworejo, Central Java)
Authors: Kasinu Akhmad , Rokhmawanto Sulis
Published: January 2018

Education is a mean of change in society for a better life. In the community, education process is conducted by religious leaders (scholars or clerics) and also institute religious organizations. In running the educational process, religious leaders and organizations experience rejection in various forms both in words and actions. Community culture which is not in accordance with the Islamic values is a form of impious action in which it is as an object of Islamic education activity in the community. Some types of impious activities are by not respecting each other, not praying, and not fasting. This phenomenon makes scholars and religious organizations rush to perform their functions in Islamic education process, to cultivate the values of tolerances in various dimensions and mutual respect through a synthesis of religion and culture.
The Contextualization of Islamic Education: Reformulation the Essence and Urgency in the Islamic Educators in Information Transformation Era
Authors: Syukron Buyung
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Education is the way to prepare the next generation with excellence and competitiveness and Islamic education is no exception. Islamic education, which aims to form the perfect man (insan kamil), is faced with complicated problems of globalization era characterized by the transformation of information. Islam must dominate the quality of education, to be both resistant and flexible with the times. To form a solid Islamic education takes various steps. Reconstruction of the essence and urgency of Islamic education is a way to drown out the dichotomy of science, since all sciences, according to Islam, comes from one authority. The concept of pluralism education should be done so that Muslims are not conflicted in the belief monopolistic practices. By understanding and accepting diversity, the nature of tolerance and inclusivity have been more mature so that Muslims are able to exchange thoughts for the future progress. The term "reconstruction" in this paper indicates that there has been existing paradigm used in Islamic education. However, this paradigm must now be designed or renewed so that Islamic education is able to build a democratic, religious, innovative, and ready person to face the challenges of the transformation of great and rapid information.

Keywords: Islamic Education, Essence and Urgency of Islamic Education, Information Transformation, Islamic Education and Information Transformation

Abstrak

 

Pendidikan adalah cara untuk menyiapkan generasi yang unggul dan memiliki daya saing. Tak terkecuali bagi pendidikan Islam. Pendidikan Islam yang bertujuan untuk menbentuk insan kamil dihadapkan pada permasalahan pelik akan derasnya globalisasi yang ditandai dengan era transformasi informasi. Mutu pendidikan Islam harus mendominasi, agar bersifat resisten dan fleksibel dengan perkembangan zaman. Untuk membentuk pendidikan Islam yang kokoh diperlukan berbagai macam langkah. Rekonstruksi essensi dan urgensitas pendidikan Islam merupakan cara untuk meredam dikotomi ilmu, karena pada hakikatnya semua ilmu menurut Islam bersumber dari satu otoritas. Pendidikan yang berwawasan pluralisme perlu dilakukan agar umat Islam tidak terbentur dalam praktik monopoli keyakinan. Dengan memahami dan menerima keberagaman, maka sifat toleransi dan inklusif semakin matang sehingga umat Islam mampu melakukan tukar pikiran demi kemajuan bersama. Term “rekonstruksi” di dalam paper ini mengindikasikan bahwa sebelumnya telah ada paradigma yang digunakan dalam pendidikan Islam. Hanya saja, paradigma tersebut kini harus dirancang atau diperbaharui kembali agar pendidikan Islam mampu membangun masyarakat yang demokratis, religius, inovatif, dan siap untuk menghadapi tantangan transformasi informasi yang begitu hebat dan pesat.

 

Kata Kunci: Pendidikan Islam, Essensi dan Urgensitas Pendidikan Islam, Transformasi Informasi, Pendidikan Islam dan Transformasi Informasi
Ultrastructure of digenean trematode eggs (Platyhelminthes: Neoophora): A review emphasizing new comparative data on four European Microphalloidea
Authors: Conn David Bruce , Świderski Zdzisław , Miquel Jordi
Published: January 2018

Despite their tremendous diversity and their medical and veterinary importance, details of egg ultrastructure among the digenean trematodes has been studied rather little. The available literature is spread over several decades and several species, but has not been adequately reviewed to reveal patterns of similarity and divergence. We present this review to synthesize and analyse what is known from the available literature reporting studies using both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To support our general review of existing literature, we also have synthesized our own previously published descriptions, and present herein our new previously unpublished data. From these new electron micrographs, we provide a comparative analysis of the intrauterine eggs of four digenean species, representing four genera and three families of the superfamily Microphalloidea, collected from four different host wildlife species in four European countries: 1) Mediogonimus jourdanei (Prosthogonimidae) from Myodes glareolus (Mammalia: Rodentia), collected in France; 2) Maritrema feliui (Microphallidae) from Crocidura russula (Mammalia: Soricimorpha), collected in Spain; 3) Brandesia turgida (Pleurogenidae) from Pelophylax ridibundus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), collected in Russia; and 4) Prosotocus confusus (Pleurogenidae) from Rana lessonae (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), collected in Belarus. All were studied by preparing whole worms by various techniques for TEM, so that eggs could be studied in situ within the uterus of the parent worm. Based on the literature review and the new data presented here, we describe basic similarities in patterns of embryogenesis and egg formation among all trematode species, but substantial variations in timing of larvigenesis, sculpturing of egg shell surfaces, and some other features, especially including accessory cocoon coverings outside the egg shells of B. turgida and P. confusus. In the future, many more studies are needed to explore egg ultrastructure in other digenean taxa, to explore potential phylogenetic patterns in egg development and structure, and to correlate structure with function in the life cycle.
Molecular target analysis of stearoyl-CoA desaturase genes of protozoan parasites
Authors: Lu He , Qin Xin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Shuang , Zhu Yu , Wu Wei Hua
Published: January 2018

Protozoan parasites can synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids. They possess stearoyl-CoA desaturase to convert stearate into oleate and linoleate. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase are the key enzymes required for the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. It seems attractive to evaluate the possibility of using unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways as drug targets. In this study, the authors investigate codon usage bias, base composition variations and protein sequence in ten available complete stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene sequences fromToxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninumetc. The results show that fatty acid desaturase genes GC content high of parasitic protozoa genes, GC content up to 63.37%, while fatty acid desaturase genes of parasitic protozoa prefers to use codon ending with G/C. In addition, the expected curve was also drawn to reveal the relationship of ENC and GC3s when the codon usage was only subjected to the nucleotide composition constraint. The genes lied on the expected curve in ENC-plot, indicating nucleotide composition constraint played a role in the condon usage pattern. Protein analysis, we find that all proteins are stearoyl-CoA desaturase, have sites of iron-binding active centers and contain three conserved His-rich motifs. If stearoyl-CoA desaturase is unusual to these parasites, it provides basis as a promising target for the development of selective chemical intervention. Therefore, the Bioinformatics analysis of protein and codon can help improve the work of genetic engineering and drug screening.
Molecular and serological investigation of infectious diseases in captive and free-range crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous – Linnaeus, 1776) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: Almeida Jonatas C. , Melo Renata P.B. , Kim Pomy C.P. , Guerra Neurisvan R. , Alves Leucio C. , Costa Diego F. , Alves Clebert José , Porto Wagnner J.N. , Mota Rinaldo A.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to detect DNA and antibodies anti-Leishmania spp., Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in captive and free-range crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) from northeastern Brazil. Twenty-five crab-eating foxes from different states of northeastern Brazil were sampled by this study. Blood samples were collected by cephalic or jugular vein punctures. The whole blood was submitted to PCR, and the sera samples to the serological analysis as follows: MAT for T. gondii, NAT for N. caninum, and ELISA for L. chagasi. The frequence of antibodies anti-T. gondii was 50% and 29.41% for free-range and captive wild canids, respectively. The frequence of antibodies anti-N. caninum observed by this study was 62.50% and 23.52% for free-range and captive wild canids, respectively. The frequence of antibodies anti-L. chagasi was 4.0% for captive wild canids. Co-infections cases were identified as follows: one captive wild canid seropositive for T. gondii and L. chagasi and two free-range animals seropositive for T. gondii and N. caninum. All PCR assays performed were negative for the pathogens analyzed. This study describes the presence of antibodies anti-T. gondii, N. caninum e L. chagasi in wild canids from northeastern Brazil and highlights the necessity of further studies on infectious diseases in free-range and captive wild canids.
Syphacia muris infection in rats attenuates colorectal carcinogenesis through oxidative stress and gene expression alterations. Implications for modulatory effects by Bryostatin-1
Authors: Salim Elsayed I. , Harras Samar F. , Abdalla Aisha G. , Mona Mohmmed H.
Published: January 2018

Accumulating evidence suggest that some infectious agents may interfere in the natural progression of neoplasia. This study examined the association between chronic infection with adultSyphacia murisparasites and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. In addition, the conceivable therapeutic effect of Bryostatin-1, a potent extract of the marine Bryozoan,Bugulane ritina, was investigated against this combined effect.DMH administration has induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), surrogate biomarkers for colorectal carcinogenesis, while theS.murisinfection combined with DMH has significantly increased the total numbers of ACF. Nonetheless, treatment with Bryostatin-1 after infection has significantly reduced the ACF numbers particularly larger ones. This inhibition was concomitant with significant inhibition in the immunohistochemical levels of the ki67, Caspase-3 and IgM levels in colorectal epithelium, as well as serum levels of IgM and IgG. Additionally, treatment with Bryostatin-1 afterS.muris+ DMH has modulated enzymatic antioxidative markers levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the non-enzymatic antioxidant markers levels of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and total antioxidant capacity. Further, treatment with Bryostatin-1 has down-regulated the mRNA expression levels ofCOX-2andAPCgenes in colorectal mucosa. In conclusion, infection withS.murisduring colorectal carcinogenesis has significantly modulated the oxidative stress markers in the colorectum, while treatment with Bryostatin-1 has exerted significant curative potential. A mechanism could be explained that Bryostatin-1 treatment has reduced oxidative stress markers activities along with affecting host to parasite immunity possibly leading to changes in theCOX-2andAPCexpression, retarding cellular proliferation and subsequently reducing the colorectal carcinogenesis events.
Pathological and molecular studies of the renal trematode Paratanaisia bragai in Indian peafowls (Pavo cristatus)
Authors: Asok Kumar M. , Kumar Deepak , Palanivelu Munuswamy , Annamalai Latchumikanthan , Mathesh Karikalan , Singh Rajendra , Sharma Anil Kumar , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: January 2018

Endoparasitic diseases are commonly encountered in free-ranging birds. Although not all endoparasites cause disease, persistent infection with large numbers of parasites almost always affects normal physiological functions, leading to deleterious effects on the host. This paper describes the anatomopathological alterations caused by the renal trematodeParatanaisia bragaiin Indian peafowl (n = 3) and examines the phylogeny of these and related parasites. Peafowl from forests in and around the Bareilly region, Uttar Pradesh, India, were necropsied, and microscopic and molecular investigations were performed. The peafowl were confirmed to be infected withP.bragai. Significant gross pathological lesions suggested nephrosis, and microscopic findings indicated a mild-to-moderate degree of nephrosis caused by the parasites in the tissue. The parasites were identified asP.bragaiby histomorphological analysis of adult and eggs in the ureters, and the identification was confirmed by PCR and phylogenetic analysis. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR products from the renal trematodes recovered from Indian peafowl revealed a close association withP.bragaifrom Columbiformes in the United Kingdom and Spain. The pathology and molecular epidemiology of parasitic diseases affecting peafowl is not well understood in India. This is the first report from India and the second report worldwide to documentP.bragaiinfection in peafowl.
Metapragmatic appositions in German talk-in-interaction
Authors: Lanwer Jens Philipp
Published: January 2018

In German talk-in-interaction it can be observed that so-called loose appositions are frequently used as a grammatical resource for performing selfinitiated self-repairs in the domain of reference. In the current paper, it is argued that this kind of appositional pattern can be described as a grammatical construction which indicates that the incorporated grammatical elements give alternative ‘reference instructions’ for building up compatible conceptualizations of one and the same entity with respect to different epistemic domains. Thereby it offers the possibility to incrementally adjust the design of reference instructions to divergent knowledge states of the interlocutors. The use of appositional constructions is thus frequently linked to aspects of epistemic stance regarding a lack of common ground. Hence, it is argued that aspects of the local management of epistemic asymmetries can be considered part of the pragmatic specifications of the construction. These specifications are sometimes made explicit through the use of lexical markers like also ‘that is’ so that the extended pattern which contains such markers might be called a metapragmatic construction.
Can Macromania be explained linguistically? Beneath the morphological boundary: A sketch of subconscious manipulation strategies in Emmanuel Macron’s political discourses
Authors: Stroebel Liane
Published: January 2018

This contribution focuses on the close link between perception and language. The analysis will extend beyond morphological evidence to include the role of submorphological relics. It will also raise the question of whether sensorimotor and submorphemic knowledge might have an impact on political discussion. In short, this paper seeks to tackle the question: How aware are we that words and sounds in general and in political discourse in particular are never ‘innocent’?
Bridging the gap: Toward a cognitive semantic analysis of the Lithuanian superlexical prefix be-
Authors: Korostenskienė Julija
Published: January 2018

The present article explores the Lithuanian aspectual prefix be- from a cognitive perspective while building on the generative syntactic approach to be- as a superlexical prefix. The prefix be- is peculiar in that, while being able to stack on lower, the so-called lexical, prefixes, it is used to form a number of constructions, most notably those with continuative, prospective, or modality readings. In addition, it forms two separable compound prefixes, the continuative tebe- and discontinuative nebe-. Building on previous cognitive examinations of the English progressive and Slavic prefixation and incorporating the Ontological Semantic inventory of modalities, the prefix is approached in light of the Figure/ Ground distinction as well as the notion of epistemicity. The article focuses on the relationship holding between the prefix and modality-shaded meanings.
The Role of Regional Courts in the Development of International Investment Law: The Case of NAFTA Chapter 11 Dispute Settlement Framework and ECtHR
Authors: Ajibo Collins C.
Published: January 2018

Regional courts have synthesized, articulated, and elucidated certain principles of law that influence the development of international investment law. The contributions of NAFTA Chapter 11 dispute settlement framework and European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), in particular, have been outstanding. For instance, NAFTA jurisprudence has guided investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) tribunals through influential precedents. Similarly, the doctrine of proportionality and the margin of appreciation doctrine which emerged from the ECtHR jurisprudence have become embedded in international investment law. Indeed, given the unique contributions of regional courts and their rapid proliferation, it can be predicted that they will play even more significant roles in the future development of principles of international investment law. Arguably, such emergent principles should be subjected to a prior scrutiny and filtering by ISDS institutions as a precondition to full incorporation into international investment law to foster their legitimacy and credibility.
Female Creativity and Temporal Discontinuity: Slips and Skips of Remembrance in Nietzsche and Freud
Authors: Battersby Christine
Published: January 2018

Both Nietzsche and Freud offer accounts of temporal disturbances in the processes of cognition, whilst also “forgetting” to notice women’s contributions to the history of culture. Both writers link women’s creative incapacity to their reproductive physiology and also to bodily shame. This paper argues, however, that Nietzsche’s descriptions of cognitive delay and collective forgetfulness are useful to feminist historians and theorists, providing a resource for theorising the belated recognition of women’s forgotten cultural achievements which the Freudian account lacks. The paper distinguishes between two contrasting modes of delayed recognition in Nietzsche, and compares Nietzsche on the temporal discontinuities of the nachträglich with Freud on the slips and skips in memory that derive from trauma, Nachträglichkeit and psychoneurotic repression. Another mode of temporal slippage - that of the Hopsasa - found in Nietzsche is also considered, as is also the potential of “the filigree art” of focusing as a remedy for cultural disappearances.
Die rhetorische Designanalyse und Buchanans ›Design-Argument‹ – am Beispiel des Lego Star Wars AT-AT Walker 4483
Authors: Scheuermann Arne
Published: January 2018

With his concept of the »design argument«, Richard Buchanan presented a classification system in 1985 that allows us to differentiate different impact goals in analysing design artefacts. In the present article, this system is combined with the method of rhetorical design analysis after the Bernese model. Using a Lego set as an example, it is demonstrated how designers apply rhetorical techniques to achieve affects and how these function. Furthermore, it is explained how the emotions of adult Lego fans are prompted and influenced by building the (and playing with the) Lego Star Wars AT-AT Walker #4483 model. At the same time, this case study makes a contribution to the cultural history of the pop-culture cross-over of Lego and Star Wars.
Chromenes and Prenylated Benzoic Acid Derivatives from the Liverwort Pedinophyllum interruptum
Authors: Feld Hildegard , Rycroft David S. , Zapp Josef
Published: January 2018

The chemical composition of a diethyl ether extract of the Scottish liverwort Pedinophyllum interruptum has been examined. Two new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives, methyl 2,6- dihydroxy-4-methoxy-3-(3’-methyl-2’-butenyl)benzoate and methyl 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-(3’-methyl- 2’-butenyl)benzoate, two new chromenes, methyl 5,7-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-6- carboxylate and methyl 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-8-carboxylate, and the two known chromenes methyl 8-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-6-carboxylate and methyl 8- methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-6-carboxylate were isolated. Methyl 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-(3’- methyl-2’-butenyl)benzoate was unstable in air and was quickly converted into methyl 2,4,6- trihydroxy-3-(2’-hydroperoxy-3’-methyl-3’-butenyl)benzoate. All structures were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry.
A Strong Deviation from Vegard’s Rule: X-Ray Powder Investigations of the Three Quasi-Binary Phase Systems BiOX–BiOY (X, Y = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Keller Egbert , Krämer Volker
Published: January 2018

The three quasi-binary phase systems BiOX-BiOY (X, Y = Cl, Br, I) have been investigated by X-ray powder methods. No quaternary phases were found in the three systems. BiOCl-BiOBr and BiOBr-BiOI form systems of unlimited mutual solubility. BiOCl-BiOI is a system of limited solubility at the iodine-rich side. In the BiOBr-BiOI system a strong deviation from Vegard’s rule is observed with respect to one of the lattice parameters. A few methods to quantify such a deviation are briefly discussed and a possible explanation for the strong deviation in the BiOBr-BiOI system is proposed. Error calculations have been performed to estimate uncertainties in the concentration parameter x of the investigated mixtures. The crystal structure of BiOI has been re-determined by single crystal structure analysis.
Rebelling Woman: Culinary Crime in Pedro Almodóvar's ¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!!
Authors: Maseda Rebeca
Published: January 2018

This article analyzes the symbolic importance of food in Pedro Almodóvar's film What Have I Done to Deserve This!! (¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!!, 1984) vis-à-vis the notorious icon, la madre maruja (the Spanish housewife and mother). It argues that food is rhetorically invoked in Almodóvar's film to organize cultural politics around gender in Spain after the almost forty-year dictatorship of Francisco Franco. What Have I Done is considered by many to be Almodóvar's best work and it is also regarded as an indispensable film, not only within his filmography but in the history of Spanish cinema. The film offers a radical departure from mainstream cinematographic images of women and food. Examining the film's use of food provides an invaluable source for the study of social conflicts and anxieties around gender, inherited from a troubled past.
Cost-effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressed Youth Declining Antidepressants
Authors: Dickerson John F. , Lynch Frances L. , Leo Michael C. , DeBar Lynn L. , Pearson John , Clarke Gregory N.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Adolescents with depression identified in primary care settings often have limited treatment options beyond antidepressant (AD) therapy. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of a brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program among depressed adolescents who declined or quickly stopped using ADs.

METHODS:

A total of 212 youth with depression were randomly assigned to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus brief individual CBT. Clinical outcomes included depression-free days (DFDs) and estimated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Costs were adjusted to 2008 US dollars. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) comparing CBT to TAU were calculated over 12- and 24-month follow-up periods.

RESULTS:

Youth randomly assigned to CBT had 26.8 more DFDs (P = .044) and 0.067 more QALYs (P = .044) on average compared with TAU over 12 months. Total costs were $4976 less (P = .025) by the end of the 24-month follow-up among youth randomly assigned to CBT. Total costs per DFD were −$51 (ICER = −$51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −$394 to $9) at 12 months and −$115 (ICER = −$115; 95% CI: −$1090 to −$6) at 24 months. Total costs per QALY were −$20 282 (ICER = −$20 282; 95% CI: −$156 741 to $3617) at 12 months and −$45 792 (ICER = −$45 792; 95% CI: −$440 991 to −$2731) at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Brief primary care CBT among youth declining AD therapy is cost-effective by widely accepted standards in depression treatment. CBT becomes dominant over TAU over time, as revealed by a statistically significant cost offset at the end of the 2-year follow-up.