bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Serum Insulin‐Like Growth Factors and Their Binding Proteins in Ecuadorean Patients with Growth Hormone Receptor Dysfunction (Growth Hormone Insensitivity)
Authors: FIELDER P.J. , GUEVARA-AGUIRRE J. , ROSENBLOOM A.L. , COHEN P. , HINTZ R.L. , ROSENFELD R.G.
Published: February 2018

Regulation of serum insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), and growth hormone (GH) binding protein (GHBP) has been investigated in Ecuadorean patients with GH receptor dysfunction (GHRD) and in their heterozygous relatives (parents). Serum IGF‐I and IGF‐II levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). IGFBPs were identified by Western ligand blotting of serum samples, following separation by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and relative quantification was performed with a scanning laser densitometer. Serum GHBP levels were measured with a ligand‐mediated immunofunctional assay (LIFA) using a monoclonal antibody raised against the GHBP. These values were then compared with values obtained from normal, sex‐matched Ecuadorean controls. Serum IGF‐I, IGFBP‐3 and GHBP concentrations were markedly reduced and serum IGFBP‐2 values increased in the patients with GHRD. Serum IGF‐I and IGF‐II values were positively correlated in the patients with GHRD, but were not related to the age of the patient. IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐3 concentrations were inversely correlated in the patients with GHRD. When analysed by age, however, IGFBP‐2 was related inversely and IGFBP‐3 related positively to the age of the patient. The serum IGF‐II levels of the male heterozygotes were significantly reduced when compared with sex‐matched controls, but considerable overlap with normal values was found. No other biochemical indices were significantly altered in either male or female heterozygotes. Thus, although GHRD is characterized by dramatic reductions in serum levels of GHBP, IGF‐I, IGF‐II and IGFBP‐3, none of these assays provides a reliable biochemical marker for heterozygosity.
Short Stature and School Performance ‐ the Wessex Growth Study
Authors: VOSS L.D. , BAILEY B.J.R. , MULLIGAN J. , WILKIN T.J. , BETTS P.R.
Published: February 2018

The relationship between short stature and school performance was examined by comparing an unselected cohort of 140 ‘normal’ short children (below 3rd centile) aged between 7 and 9 years with 140 control children of normal height (10th–90th centiles). The short children had unimpaired self‐esteem and normal patterns of behaviour, but a tendency towards hyperactivity and poor concentration. Their IQ scores were normal, but attainment, especially in reading, was low. The underachievement observed in the short children is largely due to the low socio‐economic status of this group. All the children in the study were prepubertal and these data will serve as a baseline for further follow‐up during and after puberty.
Clinical Spectrum of the Syndrome of Growth Hormone Insensitivity
Authors: SAVAGE M.O. , CHATELAIN P.G. , PREECE M.A. , RANKE M.B. , SIETNIEKS A. , WILTON P.
Published: February 2018

A survey of 46 patients with suspected growth hormone (GH) insensitivity is presented. Clinical details and plasma samples from these patients were analysed centrally. A diagnostic score based on basal levels of GH and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), IGF‐I response to GH (0.1 U/kg daily for 4 days) and height SDS was determined for all patients to identify those with GH insensitivity. A total of 29 such patients was identified (14 males and 15 females; age range, 3.2–22.6 years). Their mean height SDS was −6.0 (range, −8.9 to −2.6), mean weight SDS was −2.9 (range, −5.2 to 1.2). Pubertal development was delajed in three out of three boys and two out of six girls of pubertal age. Their basal GH level was 32.4 mU/l (range, 0.8–158.2 mU/l) and mean basal IGF‐I level was 33.6 ng/ml (range, 20–97 ng/ml). None of the 29 patients showed a significant serum IGF‐I response to injections of GH.
A framework for identifying accounting characteristics for asset pricing models, with an evaluation of book‐to‐price
Authors: Penman Stephen H. , Reggiani Francesco , Richardson Scott A. , Tuna İrem
Published: February 2018

We provide a framework for identifying accounting numbers that indicate risk and expected return. Under specified accounting conditions for measuring earnings and book value, book‐to‐price (B/P) indicates expected returns, providing justification for B/P in asset pricing models. However, the framework also points to earnings‐to‐price (E/P) as a risk characteristic. Indeed, E/P, rather than B/P, is the relevant characteristic when there is no expected earnings growth, but the weight shifts to B/P with growth. Using this framework we resolve a puzzle: in contrast to previous empirical research, we find that leverage is positively associated with future returns, as predicted by theory.
Singular memory or institutional memories? Toward a dynamic approach
Authors: Corbett Jack , Grube Dennis C. , Lovell Heather , Scott Rodney
Published: February 2018

The ability of the civil service to act as a reservoir of institutional memory is central to the pragmatic task of governing. But there is a growing body of scholarship that suggests the bureaucracy is failing at this core task. In this article, we distinguish between two different ways of thinking about institutional memory: one “static” and one “dynamic.” In the former, memory is singular and held in document form, especially by files and procedures. In the latter, memories reside with people and are thus dispersed across the array of actors that make up the differentiated polity. Drawing on four policy examples from three countries, we argue that a more dynamic understanding of the way institutions remember is both empirically salient and normatively desirable. We conclude that the current conceptualization of institutional memory needs to be recalibrated to fit the types of policy learning practices required by modern collaborative governance.
Recent advances and development in epidermal and dermal drug deposition enhancement technology
Authors: Iqbal Babar , Ali Javed , Baboota Sanjula
Published: February 2018

Skin is the largest and easily accessible organ of the body. Increases in incidences of dermatological disorders, demand for drug targeting, and patient compliance have increased the popularity of topical drug delivery amongst the people. However, drug delivery across the skin is still a challenge for researchers because permeation of maximum drugs is hindered by the upper layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). Several approaches like use of chemical permeation enhancers and physical methods such as sonophoresis, iontophoresis, electroporation, microneedles, etc., have been used to deliver the drugs topically. These methods of topical drug delivery have some limitations and drawbacks. Therefore new techniques based on nano drug delivery system such as ultradeformable liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipospheres, nanoparticles, and ethosomes have been exploited for enhancing epidermal and dermal drug deposition. Development of these nanosytems requires a good understanding of mechanism of drug permeation, physicochemical properties of drug and carriers, and technological advancements in methodology. Therefore, this article covers recent advances in epidermal and dermal drug deposition enhancement approaches, biopharmaceutical challenges with dermal drug delivery, issues in formulation development, and regulatory aspects of nanosystem. This review article also discusses the concern of topical drug delivery in immunization, gene delivery, and cosmeceuticals.
The in‐hospital burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a decade nationwide analysis from 2004 to 2014
Authors: Ramos‐Rodriguez Alvaro J. , Timerman Dmitriy , Khan Ali , Bonomo Lauren , Hunjan Manrup K. , Lemor Alejandro
Published: February 2018

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly affects the patient's quality of life. Multiple studies have shown a strong association between HS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our primary goal was to explore the in‐hospital burden of HS on patients with IBD. Our secondary goal was to establish unique baseline characteristics and comorbidities of IBD patients with HS.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2004 through 2014. All patients with ICD‐9 CM codes for any diagnosis of IBD and HS were included. The primary outcome was the medical and financial burden of HS on patients with IBD. Medical burden was measured by in‐hospital morbidity and mortality, and financial burden was measured by resource utilization.

Results

A total of 3,079,332 admissions with IBD were recorded, of which 4369 had a concomitant diagnosis of HS. IBD‐HS patients were significantly younger and mostly African‐American females; they were more likely to be smokers, obese, and have diabetes mellitus, depression, and anemia. There was no mortality difference between the IBD‐HS and IBD‐only groups; nevertheless, there was a higher likelihood of developing sepsis in the IBD‐HS cohort (4.9% vs. 2.6%; P < 0.001). Patients with IBD‐HS had an increased hospital length of stay (5 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001) and higher total hospitalization costs ($13,272 vs. $12,237; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

This large‐scale study strengthens the evidence that these two inflammatory conditions are truly associated and establishes their joint effect on overall morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization.
Biomarkers for evaluation of mast cell and basophil activation
Authors: Kabashima Kenji , Nakashima Chisa , Nonomura Yumi , Otsuka Atsushi , Cardamone Chiara , Parente Roberta , De Feo Giulia , Triggiani Massimo
Published: February 2018

Mast cells and basophils play a pathogenetic role in allergic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. These cells have different development, anatomical location and life span but share many similarities in mechanisms of activation and type of mediators. Mediators secreted by mast cells and basophils correlate with clinical severity in asthma, chronic urticaria, anaphylaxis, and other diseases. Therefore, effective biomarkers to measure mast cell and basophil activation in vivo could potentially have high diagnostic and prognostic values. An ideal biomarker should be specific for mast cells or basophils, easily and reproducibly detectable in blood or biological fluids and should be metabolically stable. Markers of mast cell and basophil include molecules secreted by stimulated cells and surface molecules expressed upon activation. Some markers, such as histamine and lipid mediators are common to mast cells and basophils whereas others, such as tryptase and other proteases, are relatively specific for mast cells. The best surface markers of activation expressed on mast cells and basophils are CD63 and CD203. While these mediators and surface molecules have been associated to a variety of diseases, none of them fulfills requirements for an optimal biomarker and search for better indicators of mast cell/basophil activation in vivo is ongoing.
Extending time‐to‐target plots to multiple instances
Authors: Reyes Alberto , Ribeiro Celso C.
Published: February 2018

Time‐to‐target plots (ttt‐plots) are a useful tool to characterize, evaluate, and compare the behavior of randomized heuristics for a given problem instance of some combinatorial optimization problem. Multiple time‐to‐target plots (mttt‐plots) are their natural extension to sets of multiple instances. We show how to build an mttt‐plot from the individual ttt‐plots of each instance in the set and we illustrate several case studies to illustrate the applicability and usefulness of the new tool.
Slow to heel: a literature review on the management of diabetic calcaneal ulceration
Authors: Khoo Rachel , Jansen Shirley
Published: February 2018

The diabetic heel ulcer (DHU) represents a reconstructive challenge to clinicians and the multidisciplinary team alike. It is traditionally viewed as a condition that is inherently difficult to treat due to the intrinsic anatomical vulnerabilities of the heel. In addition to this, several factors are associated with poorer end outcomes – namely, that of major amputation. These include peripheral vascular disease, infection/osteomyelitis and the size of the ulcer itself. In light of the significant morbidity, economic burden and mortality seen in this cohort of patients, this review aims to explore current treatment modalities that have been undertaken. Literature in this field has mostly been confined to a handful of small case studies, some of which reflect novel, multimodal approaches, and promising results. Management with osteotomy, flap reconstruction and acellular dermal matrices, amongst other options, is covered within this review.
Relationship between serum adipsin and the first phase of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in individuals with different glucose tolerance
Authors: Zhou Qing , Ge Qian , Ding Yao , Qu Hua , Wei Huili , Wu Rui , Yao Lu , Wei Qianping , Feng Zhengping , Long Jian , Deng Huacong
Published: February 2018

Aims/Introduction

To detect serum adipsin levels in individuals with different glucose tolerance, and investigate the relationship between adipsisn and the first phase of insulin secretion.

Materials and Methods

A total of 56 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, 36 patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 45 individuals with normal glucose tolerance were enrolled. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were carried out to evaluate pancreatic β‐cell function. The serum levels of adipsin, interleukin‐1β and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were assayed.

Results

Serum adipsin levels were significantly lower in the type 2 diabetes mellitus and the IGT patients than those in the normal glucose tolerance group (P < 0.05). The acute insulin response and area under the curve showed a progressive decrease in the normal glucose tolerance and IGT groups, and decreased to the lowest levels in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group (P < 0.05). Adipsin was found to be negatively correlated with waist‐to‐hip ratio, free fatty acid, fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, interleukin‐1β and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001), and positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, the area under the curve of the first phase insulin secretion and acute insulin response (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that homeostasis model assessment for β‐cell function and acute insulin response were independently related to adipsin (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum adipsin levels were lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus and IGT patients, and correlated with the first phase of insulin secretion. Adipsin might be involved in the pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Parasitic copepods affect morphospace and diet of larvae of a temperate reef fish
Authors: Jahnsen‐Guzmán N. , Bernal‐Durán V. , Landaeta M. F.
Published: February 2018

The effects of ectoparasites on larvae of the clingfish Gobiesox marmoratus were evaluated at the dietary and morphometric levels. The larvae and ectoparasites were collected by nearshore plankton samplings during October, November and December 2013 off El Quisco Bay, central Chile. The standardized abundance of total larvae and those ectoparasitized larvae (PL) was positively related and high parasite prevalence was found throughout the sampling period (up to 38%). Geometric morphometrics analyses indicate main changes in the shape through early ontogeny and subtle but significant variations between PL and non‐parasitized larvae (NPL). Prey composition varied between PL and NPL; small size (<6 mm standard length, LS) parasitized larval G. marmoratus ate mostly gastropod larvae, whereas small non‐parasitized specimens ate mainly cirripede nauplii. All larger (>8 mm LS), pre‐settlement stages parasitized by Trifur and, or Caligus copepods had content in their gut, suggesting that ectoparasites did not diminish prey capture in host with larger size. Morphometric and dietary changes occurring during larval development were decoupled, both for PL and NPL. The maintenance of a slender, more hydrodynamic body through pelagic development and the ingestion of less‐mobile prey in PL suggests non‐lethal effects of ectoparasitism on rocky‐reef fish larvae.
Saurogobio punctatussp. nov., a new cyprinid gudgeon (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from the Yangtze River, based on both morphological and molecular data
Authors: Tang Q. Y. , Li X. B. , Yu D. , Zhu Y. R. , Ding B. Q. , Liu H. Z. , Danley P. D.
Published: February 2018

A new cyprinid gudgeon,Saurogobio punctatussp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from the Yangtze River, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by differences in both morphology and the cytochromeb(cytb) gene sequence. Numerous minute blackish spots are scattered on dorsal and caudal fins inS. punctatussp. nov.v. absent in the other seven validSaurogobiospecies. The new species can be further distinguished from its congeners by the following unique combination of characters: a dorsal fin with eight branched rays; absence of scales in chest area before pectoral origin; upper and lower lips thick, covered with papillae; and a papillose mental pad approximately triangular. Morphologically, the new species most resembles the Chinese lizard gudgeonSaurogobio dabryi, but the new species lays yellowish adhesive eggsv. white pelagic eggs inS. dabryi. A phylogenetic analysis of allSaurogobiospecies based oncytbgene sequences indicated thatS. punctatussp. nov was distinctly separated from its congeners, with mean sequence divergence ranging from 12·6 to 21·0%. Therefore, molecular data further supported the distinctiveness of the new species.
A new species of Curimatopsis Steindachner (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the Rio Nhamundá, Amazon basin
Authors: Dutra G. M. , Melo B. F. , Netto‐Ferreira A. L.
Published: February 2018

A new species of Curimatopsis is described from the Rio Nhamundá, Amazon basin in northern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the presence of a distinctive concentration of dark pigmentation over the entire lower lobe of the caudal fin, reticulate pattern of body pigmentation, lower jaw longer than and overlapping the anterior portion of the upper jaw, crescent‐shaped posterior nostril and by morphometric and meristic data. Comments on the phylogenetic position of the new species within Curimatopsis are also provided.
Metabolic Clusters and Outcomes in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Mukamal Kenneth J. , Siscovick David S. , de Boer Ian H. , Ix Joachim H. , Kizer Jorge R. , Djoussé Luc , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Tracy Russell P. , Boyko Edward J. , Kahn Steven E. , Arnold Alice M.
Published: February 2018

Background/Objectives

Few studies have the requisite phenotypic information to define metabolic patterns that may inform our understanding of the pathophysiology and consequences of diabetes in older adults. We sought to characterize clusters of older adults on the basis of shared metabolic features.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Four U.S. Cardiovascular Health Study field centers.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older taking no glucose‐lowering agents (N = 2,231).

Measurements

K‐means cluster analysis of 11 metabolic parameters (fasting and postload serum glucose and plasma insulin, fasting C‐peptide, body mass index, C‐reactive protein (CRP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, carboxymethyl lysine (an advanced glycation end‐product), procollagen III N‐terminal propeptide (a fibrotic marker)) and their associations with incident cardiovascular disease, diabetes, disability, and mortality over 8 to 14.5 years of follow‐up and with measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease.

Results

A 6‐cluster solution provided robust differentiation into distinct, identifiable clusters. Cluster A (n = 739) had the lowest glucose and insulin and highest eGFR and the lowest rates of all outcomes. Cluster B (n = 419) had high glucose and insulin and intermediate rates of most outcomes. Cluster C (n = 118) had the highest insulin. Cluster D (n = 129) had the highest glucose with much lower insulin. Cluster E (n = 314) had the lowest eGFR and highest albuminuria. Cluster F (n = 512) had the highest CRP. Rates of CVD, mortality, and subclinical atherosclerosis were highest in clusters C, D, and E and were similar to rates in participants with treated diabetes. Incidence of disability was highest in Cluster C.

Conclusion

Clustering according to metabolic parameters identifies distinct phenotypes that are strongly associated with clinical and functional outcomes, even at advanced age.
Does National Flood Insurance Program Participation Induce Housing Development?
Authors: Browne Mark J. , Dehring Carolyn A. , Eckles David L. , Lastrapes William D.
Published: February 2018

We estimate the effects on county‐wide housing development in Florida of community‐level participation in the National Flood Insurance Program using panel data methods and observed variation in the timing of the decision to join the program. We find that program participation “increased” housing starts and permits in noncoastal counties, while coastal counties with average flood zone acreage saw significant “declines” in housing activity. We conjecture that loss‐mitigating regulatory costs, an obligation of obtaining insurance, might explain these findings.
Incidence and risk factors for urinary retention in critically ill patients
Authors: Schettini Daniel A , Freitas Flávio GR , Tomotani Daniere YV , Alves Jane CD , Bafi Antonio T , Machado Flávia R
Published: February 2018

Background: The removal of an indwelling urinary catheter is indicated as soon as possible to prevent complications. However, acute urinary retention is little studied among intensive care patients.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for acute urinary retention after the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter in critically ill patients.

Design: This single‐centre prospective study included adult critically ill adult surgical and medical patients.

Methods: All patients had an indwelling catheter for more than 48 h and indication of its removal by the attending physician. Acute urinary retention was defined as a bladder volume greater than 400 mL determined by ultrasound or intermittent urinary catheterization. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyse the possible risk factors for acute urinary retention.

Results: We included 85 patients from July 2014 to May 2015, most of them surgical (71·8%). Acute urinary retention occurred in 26 patients (30·6%). The use of hypnotics (midazolam or propofol given as continuous infusion) [OR 14·87 (95% CI 1·32–167·79); p = 0·029], indwelling catheterization for more than 7 days [OR 9·87 (95% CI 2·97–32·85); p < 0·001] and bed restraint [OR 9·43 (95% CI 1·07 to 83·33); p = 0·043] were all independent risk factors for acute urinary retention.

Conclusion: The incidence of acute urinary retention is high, and the main risk factors for its occurrence are prolonged use of urinary indwelling catheter, bed confinement and the use of hypnotics.

Relevance to Clinical Practice: Patients with risk factors should be kept under surveillance after the removal of indwelling urinary catheter for early identification of acute urinary retention and thus prevention of related complications.
From Performance Budgeting to Performance Budget Management: Theory and Practice
Authors: Ho Alfred Tat‐Kei
Published: February 2018

This article examines the decades‐long practices of performance budgeting in different countries and their associated challenges from a multilayered institutional framework. Based on theory and lessons learned, the article recommends an array of strategies to address institutional and organizational barriers. It also proposes to reconceptualize performance budgeting as a performance budget management system and suggests how multiyear budget planning, financial risk assessment, policy planning, the departmental budget cycle, the program budget cycle, stakeholder engagement, regular spending reviews, and performance audits should be integrated more closely to address the long‐term fiscal challenges faced by many governments and to respond to the public pressure on agencies to do more with less.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Suicidal Ideation Among Bipolar Patients: Existential But Not Religious Well‐Being as a Protective Factor
Authors: Lamis Dorian A. , Kapoor Shweta , Evans Amanda P. B.
Published: February 2018

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) are at an increased risk of Suicidal ideation, attempts, and death. Moreover, a strong association exists between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and suicidal ideation among individuals with BD. Yet growing evidence suggests that existential well‐being (EWB) may be a protective factor against suicidality. In this study, adult BD patients (N = 112) provided data on CSA, religious well‐being (RWB; spiritual life in relation to God), EWB (purpose/meaning in life), and suicidal ideation. Participants were between 19 and 65 years of age. The majority was female and described their race/ethnicity as African American. Results indicated that CSA was negatively associated with EWB and was not related to RWB. Further, EWB mediated the association between CSA and suicidal ideation, whereas RWB did not. Having meaning/purpose in life may serve as a protective factor against suicidal ideation among individuals with BD who experienced CSA, whereas having a relationship/belief in God may not serve the same function.
Chlorhexidine for neonatal infection: the ‘game‐changer’ we've all been waiting for?
Authors: Ponce Hardy Victoria
Published: February 2018

Le fait que la chlorhexidine soit un produit utile dans la lutte contre la mortalité liée à l'infection néonatale n'est pas contesté. Cependant, sa présentation en tant que «changeur des règles du jeu» manque la marque. Les avantages de la chlorhexidine en tant qu'option facile et peu coûteuse pour les bailleurs de fonds et les décideurs pourraient détourner les maigres ressources financières et humaines d'interventions plus appropriées et plus efficaces, ce qui pourrait nuire au taux de survie des nouveau‐nés. L'attention devrait plutôt porter sur la priorisation des interventions qui renforcent les faibles systèmes de santé et améliorent l'accessibilité à des soins néonatals efficaces et durables. Investir dans des interventions néonatales basées sur les systèmes peut être plus un «changeur des règles du jeu» que de se concentrer sur une intervention spécifique.
Socio‐economic gradients in prevalent tuberculosis in Zambia and the Western Cape of South Africa
Authors: Yates Tom A. , Ayles Helen , Leacy Finbarr P. , Schaap A. , Boccia Delia , Beyers Nulda , Godfrey‐Faussett Peter , Floyd Sian
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the associations between socio‐economic position and prevalent tuberculosis in the 2010 ZAMSTAR Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey, one of the first large tuberculosis prevalence surveys in Southern Africa in the HIV era.

Methods

The main analyses used data on 34 446 individuals in Zambia and 30 017 individuals in South Africa with evaluable tuberculosis culture results. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for prevalent TB by two measures of socio‐economic position: household wealth, derived from data on assets using principal components analysis, and individual educational attainment. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate potential mechanisms for the observed social gradients.

Results

The quartile with highest household wealth index in Zambia and South Africa had, respectively, 0.55 (95% CI 0.33–0.92) times and 0.70 (95% CI 0.54–0.93) times the adjusted odds of prevalent TB of the bottom quartile. College or university‐educated individuals in Zambia and South Africa had, respectively, 0.25 (95% CI 0.12–0.54) and 0.42 (95% CI 0.25–0.70) times the adjusted odds of prevalent TB of individuals who had received only primary education. We found little evidence that these associations were mediated via several key proximal risk factors for TB, including HIV status.

Conclusion

These data suggest that social determinants of TB remain important even in the context of generalised HIV epidemics.
Characterizing Lyme Disease Surveillance in an Endemic State
Authors: Rutz H. J. , Wee SB. , Feldman K. A.
Published: February 2018

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector‐borne disease in Maryland and the United States. Surveillance for LD is valuable for understanding the burden of the disease, particularly to assess whether the disease is spreading and to appreciate who is affected. However, not all cases of LD in Maryland are reported, and surveillance practices vary across each of Maryland's 24 local health departments (LHDs). To better understand this variability and to systematically characterize the surveillance process, we surveyed Maryland's LHDs regarding LD surveillance. The Maryland Local Health Department Lyme Disease Surveillance Survey has been administered annually since 2011. Questions asked each year included whether all LD reports are investigated or only a subset, and how many reports are not entered into the surveillance database. Since 2011, Maryland has lost surveillance personnel for LD. Each year from 2009 to 2012, a median 3598 (range 2462 to 5722) reports were not entered into the surveillance database and hence not investigated. These reports represent 43–55% of all reports received for the year. Over time, more LHDs chose to streamline their LD investigation approach by investigating only those reports that met the criteria for laboratory evidence of infection: in 2008, 5 (21%) LHDs investigated only a subset of LD reports; by 2013, this increased to 15 (63%). There is wide variability across LHDs in how LD investigations are conducted. Maryland LHDs have experienced a loss of LD surveillance personnel with a concomitant increase in the number of LHDs adopting a streamlined approach to investigating cases. These findings underscore the tremendous burden of LD on the public health agencies and highlight the need for alternative approaches that can both reduce burden and preserve surveillance data quality.
Phenotype diffusion and one health: A proposed framework for investigating the plurality of obesity epidemics across many species
Authors: Voss J. D. , Goodson M. S. , Leon J. C.
Published: February 2018

We propose the idea of “phenotype diffusion,” which is a rapid convergence of an observed trait in some human and animal populations. The words phenotype and diffusion both imply observations independent of mechanism as phenotypes are observed traits with multiple possible genetic mechanisms and diffusion is an observed state of being widely distributed. Recognizing shared changes in phenotype in multiple species does not by itself reveal a particular mechanism such as a shared exposure, shared adaptive need, particular stochastic process or a transmission pathway. Instead, identifying phenotype diffusion suggests the mechanism should be explored to help illuminate the ways human and animal health are connected and new opportunities for optimizing these links. Using the plurality of obesity epidemics across multiple species as a prototype for shared changes in phenotype, the goal of this review was to explore eco‐evolutionary theories that could inform further investigation. First, evolutionary changes described by hologenome evolution, pawnobe evolution, transposable element (TE) thrust and the drifty gene hypothesis will be discussed within the context of the selection asymmetries among human and animal populations. Secondly, the ecology of common source exposures (bovine milk, xenohormesis and “obesogens”), niche evolution and the hygiene hypothesis will be summarized. Finally, we synthesize these considerations. For example, many agricultural breeds have been aggressively selected for weight gain, microbiota (e.g., adenovirus 36, toxoplasmosis) associated with (or infecting) these breeds cause experimental weight gain in other animals, and these same microbes are associated with human obesity. We propose applications of phenotype diffusion could include zoonotic biosurveillance, biocontainment, antibiotic stewardship and environmental priorities. The One Health field is focused on the connections between the health of humans, animals and the environment, and so identification of phenotype diffusion is highly relevant for practitioners (public health officials, physicians and veterinarians) in this field.
Rabies risk and use of post‐exposure prophylaxis associated with dog bites in Tennessee
Authors: Henderson H. , Carpenter L. R. , Dunn J. R.
Published: February 2018

The canine variant of the rabies virus has been eliminated in the United States. Among the public and many healthcare providers, however, dog bites are still associated with risk for rabies transmission. This study examined the risk of rabies in biting dogs and the use of rabies post‐exposure prophylaxis (rPEP) for dog bite victims in Tennessee. The study included a retrospective analysis of laboratory testing requisitions for dogs from 2002 to 2016, collection of clinical data on confirmed rabies‐positive dogs from 2008 to 2016 and analysis of hospital discharge data forrPEPfrom 2007 to 2014. Among dogs submitted for rabies testing, those having a recent history of biting were significantly less likely to test positive for rabies than dogs with no reported bite (OR = 0.01; 95%CI[0.003–0.04]). The most common clinical signs reported among rabies‐positive dogs were anorexia, dysphagia, ataxia, limb paresis or paralysis, and lethargy; aggressiveness was uncommon. Among hospital patients with an animal‐related injury who receivedrPEP, more than half (52%) presented with dog bites. These data show that laboratory submissions for rabies testing and prescriptions forrPEPdo not reflect the epidemiology of rabies in Tennessee. Education and outreach targeting the public and healthcare providers should emphasize the animal species and situations associated with a greater risk for rabies transmission, such as bites from rabies reservoir species or animals exhibiting signs of neurologic disease.
RELIGIOUS RITES AND SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITIES: AYUDHA PUJA AS “CULTURE” AT THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Authors: Thomas Renny , Geraci Robert M.
Published: February 2018

Ayudha Puja, a South Indian festival translated as “worship of the machines,” is a dramatic example of how religion and science intertwine in political life. Across South India, but especially in the state of Karnataka, scientists and engineers celebrate the festival in offices, laboratories, and workshops by attending a puja led by a priest. Although the festival is noteworthy in many ways, one of its most immediate valences is political. In this article, we argue that Ayudha Puja normalizes Brahminical Hinduism within scientific culture through the inclusion of non‐Hindus and through scientists' description of the festival as “cultural” rather than “religious.”
EVOLUTION OF RELIGIOUS CAPACITY IN THE GENUS HOMO: ORIGINS AND BUILDING BLOCKS
Authors: Rappaport Margaret Boone , Corbally Christopher
Published: February 2018

The large, ancient ape population of the Miocene reached across Eurasia and down into Africa. From this genetically diverse group, the chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and humans evolved from populations of successively reduced size. Using the findings of genomics, population genetics, cognitive science, neuroscience, and archaeology, the authors construct a theoretical framework of evolutionary innovations without which religious capacity could not have emerged as it did. They begin with primate sociality and strength from a basic ape model, and then explore how the human line came to be the most adaptive and flexible of all, while coming from populations with reduced genetic variability. Their analysis then delves into the importance of neurological plasticity and a lengthening developmental trajectory, and points to their following article and the last building block: the expansion of the parietal areas, which allowed visuospatial reckoning, and imagined spaces and beings essential to human theologies. Approximate times for the major cognitive building blocks of religious capacity are given.
“THE NEW SCIENCE OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS”: INVESTIGATING BUDDHIST ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF MEDITATION
Authors: Wilson Jeff
Published: February 2018

Clinical and neuroscientific studies of Buddhist meditation practices are frequent topics in the news media, and have helped certain practices (such as mindfulness) achieve mainstream cultural status. Buddhists have reacted by using these studies in a number of ways. Some deploy the studies to show the compatibility of science and Buddhism, often using the authority of science to lend credence to Buddhism. Other Buddhists use meditation studies to demonstrate the superiority of Buddhism over science. Within inter‐Buddhist debates, meditation studies are used to argue for changes in practice or belief, but also sometimes to reinforce certain traditional practices. Benjamin Zeller's threefold categorization of religious groups’ attitudes toward science (guide, replace, absorb) and José Ignacio Cabezón's three ideal types of relationships between Buddhism and science (conflict/ambivalence, compatibility/identity, complementarity) contribute to analysis of Buddhist uses of scientific studies of meditation.
AN ABSOLUTE DISTINCTION BETWEEN FAITH AND SCIENCE: CONTRAST WITHOUT COMPARTMENTALIZATION
Authors: Kroesbergen Hermen
Published: February 2018

This article argues for acknowledging the existence of an absolute distinction between faith and science. It is often assumed in the science and religion debate that such a distinction would be ahistorical and uncontextual. After discussing this critique, the analogy with love and facts will be used to explain how an absolute distinction between faith and science may exist nonetheless. This contrast, however, does not imply compartmentalization. It is shown that the absolute distinction between faith and science is of crucial importance to understand the historical contexts that so many contributors to the science and religion debate refer to in their argument against the approaches of Independence or Contrast. The article concludes that within our messy and complex practices there is an absolute distinction between faith and science—our historical contexts cannot be understood without it.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Narratives from Ageing Indigenous Women in Australia
Authors: T. Dune， , J. Stewart, , W. Tronc, , V. Lee, , V. Mapedzahama, , R. Firdaus, , T. Mekonnen,
Published: February 2018

There is an increasing body of work identifying and analyzing notions of resilience from indigenous perspectives. Notwithstanding the utility of this research for the Australian context (some parallels may be cautiously inferred for some Indigenous Australian groups), critical knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of how Australian Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women, construct, perform and express resilience. This paper addresses this gap by presenting data from focus group discussions with 11 Indigenous Australian women, which highlights how the women confront the everyday challenges of ‘being Indigenous’. The women spoke of not only of a strong sense of identity in the face of negative stereotypes but also demonstrated their ability to adapt to change, rebound from negative historical socio-cultural and political systemic changes and ways to keep their identities and cultures strong within contemporary Australia. We contend that a focus on Indigenous resilience is more significant for social change because it not only moves away from deficit-discourses about Indigenous Australian groups, it highlights their remarkable strengths in adapting, recovering and continuing in white-centric, antagonistic conditions.
The Filibuster: A Means to Preserve the Voice of “We the People”
Authors: Cox Anna M.
Published: February 2018

The Senatorial practice of the filibuster has a long history of being an established fixture in the U.S. Senate. The filibuster, a senatorial tool and tactic of extended or unlimited debate has a constitutional basis, reason and purpose. The filibuster when implemented in accordance with its constitutional basis can maintain the checks and balance of governmental institutions, preserve true representation of “We the People”, protect the individual liberties of the American citizen and the rights of the minority. Thus without the preservation of the filibuster the Senate’s ability to conduct their legislative and representative responsibilities on the behalf of their constituents they represent would be in severe jeopardy. Consequently, the Senate must take the position of doing its due diligence to preserve and sustain the fundamental practice of the filibuster for the American citizenry for whom they represent.
Apontamentos introdutórios sobre o desafio decolonial para as teologias latino-americanas
Authors: Motta Cunha Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2018

A desvinculação epistêmica proposta pela decolonialidade revela não só a colonização do saber, como a do poder e do ser também, pelas culturas dominantes. Uma forma de saber construído nos espaços liminares, nas fronteiras da diferença colonial, na perspectiva do subalterno, está deslocando e absorvendo as formas hegemônicas do conhecimento e empoderando novos movimentos de emancipação. A teologia cristã é afetada por tal contexto e interpelada ao exercício libertador de remexer a sua base e repensar as suas categorias a partir de outros lugares de enunciação. O nosso objetivo é mostrar os passos necessários para uma formação teológica decolonial.
Enfoques y postura crítica de la relación entre teología y neurociencias
Authors: Valenzuela Osorio Vicente
Published: February 2018

Se presentan los enfoques y crítica del encuentro de la teología y las modernas neurociencias, y se insiste en la necesidad de un diálogo auténtico entre la revelación en teología y lo que las neurociencias revelan en su propio discurso. El trabajo aporta una clave de interpretación, la revelación se da en la autonomía del mundo y afecta lo constitutivo de la teología, hasta el punto de exigir un giro en la pregunta por la fuente de la revelación: pasar de un modelo de trascendenciainmanencia, a un modelo de monismo relativo, donde la red neural humana se hace fuente constitutiva de la Palabra de Dios.
Le posizioni di R. Guardini e di H. U. von Balthasar sulla questione della “fede di Gesù”
Authors: N. I. Abdelmalak Ashraf
Published: February 2018

Negli ultimi anni il tema della fede “di” Gesù ha suscitato un grande interesse nella teologia sistematica. In questo breve studio saranno trattate le posizioni di due grandi teologi cattolici del XX secolo sulla questione della “fede di Gesù”: quella del teologo italo-tedesco R. Guardini (1885-1968) e quella del teologo svizzero H. U. von Balthasar (1905-1985). Il presente articolo avrà, perciò, la struttura seguente: (1) Il dato biblico sulla fede di Gesù; (2) la fede di Gesù, la sua obbedienza e la sua solitudine secondo R. Guardini; (3) la fides Christi secondo H. U. von Balthasar. (4) Una breve conclusione.
Nanofinishing of Microslots on Surgical Stainless Steel by Abrasive Flow Finishing Process: Experimentation and Modeling
Authors: Singh Sachin , Kumar Deepu , Ravi Sankar Mamilla , Rajurkar Kamlakar
Published: February 2018

Miniaturization of components is one of the major demands of the today's technological advancement. Microslots are one of the widely used microfeature found in various industries such as automobile, aerospace, fuel cells and medical. Surface roughness of the microslots plays critical role in high precision applications such as medical field (e.g., drug eluting stent and microfilters). In this paper, abrasive flow finishing (AFF) process is used for finishing of the microslots (width 450 μm) on surgical stainless steel workpiece that are fabricated by electrical discharge micromachining (EDμM). AFF medium is developed in-house and used for performing microslots finishing experiments. Developed medium not only helps in the removal of hard recast layer from the workpiece surfaces but also provides nano surface roughness. Parametric study of microslots finishing by AFF process is carried out with the help of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) method. The initial surface roughness on the microslots wall is in the range of 3.50 ± 0.10 μm. After AFF, the surface roughness is reduced to 192 nm with a 94.56% improvement in the surface roughness. To understand physics of the AFF process, three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) viscoelastic model of the AFF process is developed. Later, a surface roughness simulation model is also proposed to predict the final surface roughness after the AFF process. Simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Differences in the Postprandial Release of Appetite-Related Hormones Between Active and Inactive Men
Authors: Bøhler Linn , Coutinho Sílvia Ribeiro , Rehfeld Jens F. , Morgan Linda , Martins Catia
Published: February 2018

Active, as opposed to inactive, individuals are able to adjust their energy intake after preloads of different energy contents. The mechanisms responsible for this remain unknown. This study examined differences in plasma concentration of appetite-related hormones in response to breakfasts of different energy contents, between active and inactive men. Sixteen healthy nonobese (body mass index = 18.5–27 kg/m2) adult males (nine active and seven inactive) participated in this study. Participants were given a high-energy (570 kcal) or a low-energy (205 kcal) breakfast in a random order. Subjective feelings of appetite and plasma concentrations of active ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide-1, total peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin, and insulin were measured in fasting and every 30 min up to 2.5 hr, in response to both breakfasts. Mixed analysis of variance (fat mass [in percentage] as a covariate) revealed a higher concentration of active ghrelin and lower concentration of glucagon-like peptide-1, and cholecystokinin after the low-energy breakfast (p < .001 for all). Postprandial concentration of PYY was greater after the high energy compared with the low energy, but for inactive participants only (p = .014). Active participants had lower postprandial concentrations of insulin than inactive participants (p < .001). Differences in postprandial insulin between breakfasts were significantly lower in active compared with inactive participants (p < .001). Physical activity seems to modulate the postprandial plasma concentration of insulin and PYY after the intake of breakfasts of different energy contents, and that may contribute, at least partially, to the differences in short-term appetite control between active and inactive individuals.