bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the function of rice proteins through Multi-instance Multi-label Learning based on multiple features fusion
Authors: Liu Jing , Tang Xinghua , Cui Shuanglong , Guan Xiao
Published: February 2022

There are a large number of unannotated proteins with unknown functions in rice, which are difficult to be verified by biological experiments. Therefore, computational method is one of the mainstream methods for rice proteins function prediction. Two representative rice proteins, indica protein and japonica protein, are selected as the experimental dataset. In this paper, two feature extraction methods (the residue couple model method and the pseudo amino acid composition method) and the Principal Component Analysis method are combined to design protein descriptive features. Moreover, based on the state-of-the-art MIML algorithm EnMIMLNN, a novel MIML learning framework MK-EnMIMLNN is proposed. And the MK-EnMIMLNN algorithm is designed by learning multiple kernel fusion function neural network. The experimental results show that the hybrid feature extraction method is better than the single feature extraction method. More importantly, the MK-EnMIMLNN algorithm is superior to most classic MIML learning algorithms, which proves the effectiveness of the MK-EnMIMLNN algorithm in rice proteins function prediction.
Bridging the Research Gap between Live Collections in Zoos and Preserved Collections in Natural History Museums
Authors: Poo Sinlan , Whitfield Steven M , Shepack Alexander , Watkins-Colwell Gregory J , Nelson Gil , Goodwin Jillian , Bogisich Allison , Brennan Patricia L R , D'Agostino Jennifer , Koo Michelle S , Mendelson Joseph R , Snyder Rebecca , Wilson Sandra , Aronsen Gary P , Bentley Andrew C , Blackburn David C , Borths Matthew R , Campbell Mariel L , Conde Dalia A , Cook Joseph A , Daza Juan D , Dembiec Daniel P , Dunnum Jonathan L , Early Catherine M , Ferguson Adam W , Greene Amanda , Guralnick Robert , Janney Courtney , Johnson Debbie , Knightly Felicia , Poulin Stephane , Rocha Luiz , Soltis Pamela S , Thiers Barbara , Chakrabarty Prosanta
Published: February 2022

Zoos and natural history museums are both collections-based institutions with important missions in biodiversity research and education. Animals in zoos are a repository and living record of the world's biodiversity, whereas natural history museums are a permanent historical record of snapshots of biodiversity in time. Surprisingly, despite significant overlap in institutional missions, formal partnerships between these institution types are infrequent. Life history information, pedigrees, and medical records maintained at zoos should be seen as complementary to historical records of morphology, genetics, and distribution kept at museums. Through examining both institution types, we synthesize the benefits and challenges of cross-institutional exchanges and propose actions to increase the dialog between zoos and museums. With a growing recognition of the importance of collections to the advancement of scientific research and discovery, a transformational impact could be made with long-term investments in connecting the institutions that are caretakers of living and preserved animals.
Social Workers as Leaders Rather than as Agents of Change
Authors: Allassad Alhuzail Nuzha
Published: February 2022

Arab citizens of Israel constitute 21 per cent of the country’s population. In April and May 2021 violent conflict erupted between Arab and Jewish Israeli citizens, more severe than ever before. It was manifested on both sides in physical brutality, destruction of property and torching of homes and places of worship. The political leadership on both sides was divided over how to respond. Some tried to restore calm; others tried to use the conflict for political gain and to divide the population. Against this background, a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, was conducted among forty Jewish and Arab social workers with the aim of understanding how they viewed their role in the conflict and how they were dealing with it. A thematic analysis revealed three main themes: ‘What’s needed is a social worker who is a leader’; ‘The writing was on the wall’ and ‘The situation could be changed, but…’. The social workers saw importance in their profession’s values of social justice and acceptance of the other but expressed difficulty in acting in a sphere that is defined as political. Recommendations are made for equipping social workers with the necessary tools for acting effectively in times of conflict.
A connectome-based neuromarker of nonverbal number acuity and arithmetic skills
Authors: Zhang Dai , Zhou Liqin , Yang Anmin , Li Shanshan , Chang Chunqi , Liu Jia , Zhou Ke
Published: February 2022

The approximate number system (ANS) is vital for survival and reproduction in animals and is crucial for constructing abstract mathematical abilities in humans. Most previous neuroimaging studies focused on identifying discrete brain regions responsible for the ANS and characterizing their functions in numerosity perception. However, a neuromarker to characterize an individual’s ANS acuity is lacking, especially one based on whole-brain functional connectivity (FC). Here, based on the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data obtained from a large sample, we identified a distributed brain network (i.e. a numerosity network) using a connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) analysis. The summed FC strength within the numerosity network reliably predicted individual differences in ANS acuity regarding behavior, as measured using a nonsymbolic number-comparison task. Furthermore, in an independent dataset of the Human Connectome Project (HCP), we found that the summed FC strength within the numerosity network also specifically predicted individual differences in arithmetic skills, but not domain-general cognitive abilities. Therefore, our findings revealed that the identified numerosity network could serve as an applicable neuroimaging-based biomarker of nonverbal number acuity and arithmetic skills.
Investment in farming under uncertainty and decoupled support: a real options approach
Authors: Di Corato Luca , Zormpas Dimitrios
Published: February 2022

We develop a real options model to assess the impact of decoupled payments on agricultural investments. The context that we are addressing is the one set by the Common Agricultural Policy where farmers are eligible for decoupled payments as long as their land is properly maintained. We show that decoupled payments are non-neutral with respect to choices concerning timing and capacity. We find that they (i) induce earlier investment with lower productive capacity; (ii) increase the value of the investment option associated with land and (iii) reduce the volatility of farm income. A numerical exercise complements our theoretical analysis.
Rebel without a Cause: The Effects of Social Origins and Disposable Income on Rule Violations
Authors: Armandola Niccolò Giorgio , Ehlert Alexander , Rauhut Heiko
Published: February 2022

Are upper-class individuals more inclined to violate rules? Using behavioural data, recent studies have challenged the traditional assumption of upper social class members being less rule violating, while other studies find no or opposite effects. We bring together behavioural decision-making games with traditional survey measures in a unique setup to re-evaluate the proposed relation between social class and rule violations, distinguishing between the economic and the psychological components of social class. Drawing from a cohort of 750 Swiss adults, we investigate how the conditions they were born in (social origins) and the current financial resources (disposable income) affect self-reported and behaviourally measured rule violations in the lab. Interestingly, our findings show that disposable income impacts the behaviour of individuals conditional upon their social origins. For people with upper social origins an increase in disposable income leads to more rule violations than for people with lower social origins. Additional analyses show that a similar pattern emerges when analysing the different perceptions of morality that the two groups have. We conclude that with increasing disposable income, people with upper social origins become more morally flexible, as they are more tolerant of rule violations and violate the rules more often than individuals with lower social origins.
The WHO Prison Health Framework: a framework for assessment of prison health system performance
Authors: Alves da Costa Filipa , Verschuuren Marieke , Andersen Yanina , Stürup-Toft Sunita , Lopez-Acuña Daniel , Ferreira-Borges Carina
Published: February 2022

Background

The Health in Prisons European Database (HIPED) aims to periodically collect data on prison health systems, services and health outcomes to inform equivalence of care for people living in prison. Recognized as the United Nations hub for health data in prisons, HIPED lacked an established framework to define its domains and indicators to measure progress. Therefore, the objectives of developing this framework were to inform surveillance systems at prison, local, regional, national and international level and to use it to guide improvement of prison health systems and cross-country comparison.

Methods

The framework was conceptualized through identification of policy priorities and existing frameworks, notably the WHO Health System Framework. A consultation with a range of WHO stakeholders was conducted evaluating the components of existing frameworks and their relevance to the prison health context, as well as identifying areas needing further emphasis. The final stage identified the structure of the framework.

Results

The framework consists of three main building blocks. The first captures the system-level aspects of prison health care (or inputs) whilst the second captures delivery aspects of prison health care (or outputs). These building blocks are in turn modified by two influencing factors. Ultimately, all these elements impact on the third building block, health outcomes. In addition, two cross-cutting principles associated with all these building blocks and influencing factors are included.

Conclusions

A new framework for assessing prison health system performance is now available, crucial to support informed decision-making for policy design and implementation for prisons and other places of detention.
Enhanced CoQ10 production by genome modification of Rhodobacter sphaeroides via Tn7 transposition
Authors: Zhu Yongqiang , Pan Mengyao , Wang Chenfei , Ye Lidan , Xia Chunmiao , Yu Hongwei
Published: February 2022

As a native CoQ10 producer, Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been extensively engineered to enhance CoQ10 production. However, the genetic manipulations using plasmids suffer from risk of plasmid loss during propagation process, biomass impairment due to cellular burden and bio-safety concerns. In this paper, genomic manipulations via Tn7 transposition was conducted to boost the CoQ10 biosynthesis in R. sphaeroides. The titer production and content of CoQ10 were improved by 18.44% and 18.87%, respectively compared to the wild type, when an additional copy of dxs and dxr were integrated into the genome. Further overexpression of idi and ispD by genomic integration created strain RSPCDDII with CoQ10 production and content of 81.23 mg/L and 5.93 mg/g, which were 54.28 and 55.97% higher than those of the wild type. The gene segments were successfully inserted into the attTn7 site of the R. sphaeroides genome. Meanwhile, the biomass was not affected. Compared to overexpression of genes on plasmids, this strategy could enhance protein expression to a proper level without affecting cell growth, and in a more stable manner.
Population genetics and microevolution of clinical Candida glabrata reveals recombinant sequence types and hyper-variation within mitochondrial genomes, virulence genes, and drug targets
Authors: Helmstetter Nicolas , Chybowska Aleksandra D , Delaney Christopher , Da Silva Dantas Alessandra , Gifford Hugh , Wacker Theresa , Munro Carol , Warris Adilia , Jones Brian , Cuomo Christina A , Wilson Duncan , Ramage Gordon , Farrer Rhys A
Published: February 2022

Candida glabrata is the second most common etiological cause of worldwide systemic candidiasis in adult patients. Genome analysis of 68 isolates from 8 hospitals across Scotland, together with 83 global isolates, revealed insights into the population genetics and evolution of C. glabrata. Clinical isolates of C. glabrata from across Scotland are highly genetically diverse, including at least 19 separate sequence types that have been recovered previously in globally diverse locations, and 1 newly discovered sequence type. Several sequence types had evidence for ancestral recombination, suggesting transmission between distinct geographical regions has coincided with genetic exchange arising in new clades. Three isolates were missing MATα1, potentially representing a second mating type. Signatures of positive selection were identified in every sequence type including enrichment for epithelial adhesins thought to facilitate fungal adhesin to human epithelial cells. In patent microevolution was identified from 7 sets of recurrent cases of candidiasis, revealing an enrichment for nonsynonymous and frameshift indels in cell surface proteins. Microevolution within patients also affected epithelial adhesins genes, and several genes involved in drug resistance including the ergosterol synthesis gene ERG4 and the echinocandin target FKS1/2, the latter coinciding with a marked drop in fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration. In addition to nuclear genome diversity, the C. glabrata mitochondrial genome was particularly diverse, with reduced conserved sequence and conserved protein-encoding genes in all nonreference ST15 isolates. Together, this study highlights the genetic diversity within the C. glabrata population that may impact virulence and drug resistance, and 2 major mechanisms generating this diversity: microevolution and genetic exchange/recombination.
Crustal structure and intraplate seismicity in Nordland, Northern Norway: insight from seismic tomography
Authors: Shiddiqi H A , Ottemöller L , Rondenay S , Halpaap F , Gradmann S , Michálek J
Published: February 2022

The Nordland region, Northern Norway, situated in an intraplate continental setting, has the highest seismicity rate in mainland Norway. However, the exact cause of seismicity in this region is still debated. Better understanding of factors that influence the seismicity in Nordland can help increase knowledge of intraplate seismicity in general. Here, we address this problem with the aid of a new high-resolution 3-D VP and VP/VS ratio images of the crust in Nordland using seismic traveltime tomography. These images show the existence of a localized, 10–15 km Moho step that runs parallel to the coast. The north–south extent of this step coincides with the region that exhibits the highest rates of seismicity. Focal mechanisms of selected earthquakes computed in this study are dominated by normal and oblique-normal, indicating a coast-perpendicular extension. The coast-perpendicular extensional stress regime deviates from the regional compression imposed by the ridge push from the North Atlantic. This deviation is thought to stem from the additional interference with local flexural stress caused by sediment redistribution and glacial isostatic adjustment, and possibly exacerbated by gravitational potential energy stress associated with the Moho step. The deformation due to the extensional regime is localized on pre-existing faults and fractures along the coastline. The tomography result shows that two distinct seismic swarms occurred in the coastal area with low VP and variable VP/VS ratio anomalies, pointing towards fractured crust and possibly the presence of fluids. The existence of fluids here can change the differential stress and promote seismic rupture.
RIPK4 regulates cell–cell adhesion in epidermal development and homeostasis
Authors: Fortugno Paola , Monetta Rosanna , Belli Manuel , Botti Elisabetta , Angelucci Francesco , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Nottola Stefania Annarita , De Luca Chiara , Ceccarini Marina , Salvatore Marco , Bianchi Luca , Macioce Pompeo , Teson Massimo , Ricci Francesco ,   Italian Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Taruscio Domenica , Censi Federica , Polizzi Agata , Mallozzi Cinzia , Novelli Giuseppe , Sangiuolo Federica , Daina Erica , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Ferlini Alessandra , Neri Marcella , Roccatello Dario , Baldovino Simone , Menegatti Elisa , Sciascia Savino , Dariol Maria Rosaria , Castori Marco , Priolo Manuela , Macchiarelli Guido , Didona Biagio , Costanzo Antonio , Castiglia Daniele , Brancati Francesco
Published: February 2022

Epidermal development and maintenance are finely regulated events requiring a strict balance between proliferation and differentiation. Alterations in these processes give rise to human disorders such as cancer or syndromes with skin and annexes defects, known as ectodermal dysplasias (EDs). Here, we studied the functional effects of two novel receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) missense mutations identified in siblings with an autosomal recessive ED with cutaneous syndactyly, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and orofacial synechiae. Clinical overlap with distinct EDs caused by mutations in transcription factors (i.e. p63 and interferon regulatory factor 6, IRF6) or nectin adhesion molecules was noticed. Impaired activity of the RIPK4 kinase resulted both in altered epithelial differentiation and defective cell adhesion. We showed that mutant RIPK4 resulted in loss of PVRL4/nectin-4 expression in patient epidermis and primary keratinocytes, and demonstrated that PVRL4 is transcriptionally regulated by IRF6, a RIPK4 phosphorylation target. In addition, defective RIPK4 altered desmosome morphology through modulation of plakophilin-1 and desmoplakin. In conclusion, this work implicates RIPK4 kinase function in the p63-IRF6 regulatory loop that controls the proliferation/differentiation switch and cell adhesion, with implications in ectodermal development and cancer.
Mapping the Notting Hill Riots: Racism and the Streets of Post-war Britain
Authors: Hilliard Christopher
Published: February 2022

This article offers a new interpretation of the 1958 race riots in west London. It uses arrest data to map where the violence occurred and where the rioters lived. Few of the white people arrested lived alongside black people or competed with them for housing. The riots were not a straightforward response to privation. Rather, they were a reassertion of an implicitly but powerfully racialized conception of urban community in which street life was symbolically potent. Anti-immigration politicians would exploit the idea of familiar streets ‘lost’ to demographic change, beginning with Oswald Mosley the year after the riots.
Human insecurity and child deaths in conflict: evidence for improved response in Yemen
Authors: Ogbu Thomas Jideofor , Rodriguez-Llanes Jose Manuel , Moitinho de Almeida Maria , Speybroeck Niko , Guha-Sapir Debarati
Published: February 2022

Background

Since the beginning of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, >23 000 air strikes and >100 000 fatalities have been recorded. Data from Yemen Data Project linked >1300 child fatalities and >900 child injuries to air raids. However, there is little literature on the effect of the protracted armed conflict on the pattern of child mortality using data from small-scale surveys. We aimed to identify the pattern of the death rate for children aged <5 years (‘under-5’) and its relationship with human insecurity in Yemen.

Methods

We created a human insecurity index (i.e. severely insecure vs insecure) for the 22 governorates in Yemen from 2015 to 2019, using data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Database. We matched this insecurity index with the corresponding under-5 mortality data from the Complex Emergency Database. We analysed the relationship between the under-5 death rate (U5DR) and the insecurity level using a Bayesian finite mixture model in order to account for unobserved heterogeneity in clustered finite subsets of a population.

Results

We extracted 72 surveys and 77.8% (n = 56) were included in this study. The mean of the recall period for mortality was 106 days with a standard deviation of 93 days. We identified two subpopulations: Subpopulation I—high average number of child deaths and Subpopulation II—low average number of child deaths. The log posterior mean of the U5DR is 1.10 (95% credible intervals: 0.36, 1.82) in the severely insecure group in Subpopulation I and 3-fold the estimate in Subpopulation II. However, in Subpopulation II, we found no association between the insecurity level and the U5DR.

Conclusion

The pattern of child deaths is crucial in understanding the relationship between human insecurity and the U5DR.
Stability analysis of nonlinear inviscid microscopic and macroscopic traffic flow models of bidirectional cruise-controlled vehicles
Authors: Karafyllis Iasson , Theodosis Dionysios , Papageorgiou Markos
Published: February 2022

The paper introduces a new bidirectional microscopic inviscid Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) model that uses only spacing information from the preceding and following vehicles in order to select the proper control action to avoid collisions and maintain a desired speed. $KL$ estimates that guarantee uniform convergence of the ACC model to the set of equilibria are provided. Moreover, the corresponding macroscopic model is derived, consisting of a conservation equation and a momentum equation that contains a nonlinear relaxation term. It is shown that, if the density is sufficiently small, then the macroscopic model has a solution that approaches exponentially the equilibrium speed (in the sup norm) while the density converges exponentially to a traveling wave. Numerical simulations are also provided, illustrating the properties of the microscopic and macroscopic inviscid ACC models.
Wiles Defect for Modules and Criteria for Freeness
Authors: Brochard Sylvain , Iyengar Srikanth B , Khare Chandrashekhar B
Published: February 2022

Diamond proved a numerical criterion for modules over local rings to be free modules over complete intersection rings. We formulate a refinement of these results using the notion of Wiles defect. A key step in the proof is a formula that expresses the Wiles defect of a module in terms of the Wiles defect of the underlying ring.
Bacterial genotypic and patient risk factors for adverse outcomes in Escherichia coli bloodstream infections: a prospective molecular epidemiological study
Authors: Jauneikaite Elita , Honeyford Kate , Blandy Oliver , Mosavie Mia , Pearson Max , Ramzan Farzan A. , Ellington Matthew J. , Parkhill Julian , Costelloe Céire E. , Woodford Neil , Sriskandan Shiranee
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Escherichia coli bloodstream infections have shown a sustained increase in England, for reasons that are unknown. Furthermore, the contribution of MDR lineages such as ST131 to overall E. coli disease burden and outcome is undetermined.

Methods

We genome-sequenced E. coli blood isolates from all patients with E. coli bacteraemia in north-west London from July 2015 to August 2016 and assigned MLST genotypes, virulence factors and AMR genes to all isolates. Isolate STs were then linked to phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility, patient demographics and clinical outcome data to explore relationships between the E. coli STs, patient factors and outcomes.

Results

A total of 551 E. coli genomes were analysed. Four STs (ST131, 21.2%; ST73, 14.5%; ST69, 9.3%; and ST95, 8.2%) accounted for over half of cases. E. coli genotype ST131-C2 was associated with phenotypic non-susceptibility to quinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, gentamicin and trimethoprim. Among 300 patients from whom outcome was known, an association between the ST131-C2 lineage and longer length of stay was detected, although multivariable regression modelling did not demonstrate an association between E. coli ST and mortality. Several unexpected associations were identified between gentamicin non-susceptibility, ethnicity, sex and adverse outcomes, requiring further research.

Conclusions

Although E. coli ST was associated with defined antimicrobial non-susceptibility patterns and prolonged length of stay, E. coli ST was not associated with increased mortality. ST131 has outcompeted other lineages in north-west London. Where ST131 is prevalent, caution is required when devising empiric regimens for suspected Gram-negative sepsis, in particular the pairing of β-lactam agents with gentamicin.
Oxidation of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids as metabolic fuels in enterocytes of post-hatching developing chickens
Authors: He Wenliang , Furukawa Kyohei , Bailey Christopher A , Wu Guoyao
Published: February 2022

This study determined the oxidation of amino acids, glucose and fatty acid in enterocytes of developing chickens. Jejunal enterocytes were isolated from 0-, 7-, 21-, and 42-d-old broiler chickens, and incubated at 40°C for 30 min in Krebs–Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 5 mM D-glucose and one of the following: 0.5–5 mM L-[U-14C]glutamate, 0.5–5 mM L-[U-14C]glutamine, 0.5–5 mM L-[U-14C]aspartate, 0.5–5 mM L-[U-14C]alanine, 0.5–2 mM [U-14C]palmitate, D-[U-14C]glucose, 0.5–5 mM [U-14C]propionate, and 0.5–5 mM [1-14C]butyrate. 14CO2 produced from each 14C-labeled substrate was collected for determination of radioactivity. Among all the substrates studied, glutamate had the greatest rate of oxidation in enterocytes from 0- to 42-d-old chickens. Glutamate transaminases, rather than glutamate dehydrogenase, may be primarily responsible for initiating glutamate degradation. Rates of amino acid and fatty acid oxidation by cells increased (P < 0.05) with increasing their extracellular concentrations from 0.5 to 5 mM. Rates of glutamate and glucose oxidation in enterocytes decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing age, and rates of glutamine, aspartate, propionate, and butyrate oxidation were lower (P < 0.05) in 42-d-old chickens than in 0-d-old chickens. By contrast, oxidation of palmitate at 2 mM increased (P < 0.05) by 118% in cells from 42-d-old chickens, compared with 0-d-old chickens. Compared with glutamate, oxidation of glutamine, aspartate, alanine, propionate, butyrate, and palmitate was limited in cells from all age groups of chickens. Collectively, these results indicate that glutamate is the major metabolic fuel in enterocytes of 0- to 42-d-old chickens.
Does the Kuroshio Current transport planktonic larvae of the hydrothermal-vent crabXenograpsusTakeda & Kurata, 1977 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Grapsoidea)?
Authors: Oda Ayako , Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Ohtsuka Susumu , Wada Shigeki , Kondo Yusuke , Miyake Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

The grapsoid crab XenograpsusTakeda & Kurata, 1977 inhabiting shallow-water hydrothermal vents shows a limited distribution in the western Pacific, thus providing a good opportunity to observe how a species expands its distribution and establishes and maintains a metapopulation. We analyzed four Japanese populations of Xenograpsus (Kueishan-dao, Showa Iwo-jima, Shikine-jima, and Omuro-dashi) distributed along the Kuroshio Current to assess whether population connectivity is affected by the current. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree indicated that the specimens analyzed belong to a single clade, including X. testudinatusNg, Huang & Ho, 2000 in Kueishan-dao. We could not include genetic data of X. novaeinsularisTakeda & Kurata, 1977 and tentatively refer to the specimens analyzed as X. testudinatus. All four populations shared the two major haplotypes. Statistically significant population differentiation was nevertheless recognized between Showa Iwo-jima and Omuro-dashi, about 1,000 km apart. The number of individuals analyzed in Shikine-jima (N = 11) and Kueishan-dao (N = 5) might not be enough to detect differences. The relative age of population expansion seemed to correlate with the direction of the Kuroshio Countercurrent. Together with knowledge on the distribution of the planktonic larvae, larvae of X. testudinatus stay and mostly contribute to its source population. The Kuroshio Current system occasionally transports the larvae and juveniles, or even adult individuals on floating pumice and other materials, to eventually settle into newly formed habitats after volcanic eruptions, thus expanding the distributional range of the species.
Forskolin alleviates cisplatin-induced acute renal toxicity in rats
Authors: El-Naga Reem N
Published: February 2022

Context

Renal toxicity correlated with cisplatin administration curbs its clinical application. Accordingly, the identification of novel protective agents is important. Forskolin provides anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant as well as anti-cancer effects.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the nephroprotective effect of forskolin in a model of cisplatin-induced acute renal toxicity in rats in addition to exploring the possible mechanisms.

Methods

Rats were sorted into four groups: control group, cisplatin group, cisplatin/forskolin group that was given forskolin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 week before cisplatin and forskolin-only group. Nephrotoxicity markers were tested in the blood. Tissues were used to assess histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Key findings

In cisplatin-injected rats, the nephrotoxicity indices were particularly increased. Cisplatin markedly reduced the levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Also, malondialdehyde and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase were increased. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 were elevated. Moreover, the epidermal growth factor expression was significantly reduced. Furthermore, marked histopathological changes were noted in the tissues of cisplatin-injected rats. Forskolin attenuated nephrotoxicity markers, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptotic insults provoked via cisplatin. Moreover, cisplatin cytotoxic activity was not modulated by forskolin in human cultured cancerous cell lines.

Conclusion

Forskolin provides significant protection from cisplatin-evoked nephrotoxicity enhancing its therapeutic index.
Science and Literature at Giuseppe Levi’s Home in Turin
Authors: Piccolino Marco
Published: February 2022

This chapter is dedicated to Giuseppe Levi, an outstanding personality of the Novecento intelligentsia. It focuses on Levi’s dynamic attitude in the biological investigation and the fertile and lively science of Italian society in the post-Risorgimento period. With his enduring and passionate approach to both research and teaching, with his deep ethical values, and strong international ties, Levi succeeded in keeping Turin science at high standards during the dark period of Fascism and racial persecutions, and leaving an important legacy to his pupils. Some of them made breakthrough discoveries in the fields of neuroscience and molecular biology.
Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder
Authors: Leschziner Guy
Published: February 2022

Standard therapy for sleep-disordered breathing is effective and well established. Most commonly, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), while mild OSA can be treated using mandibular advancement devices.
CPAP therapy is viewed as the gold standard treatment for OSA. However, it requires good compliance. Patients need to sleep with a mask, either full-face, nasal or mouth to transmit the pressures. This is an ongoing treatment, as OSA returns when patients do not use CPAP any longer. Long-term compliance in OSA is limited - within the first six weeks of treatment a quarter of patients struggle to make sufficient use and after one year about half of the patients who should be treated use CPAP in a way that no therapeutic effect is provided any longer.
Alternative treatment options for OSA are therefore required. In recent years, interest in electrical stimulation of the dilator muscles of the upper airway has seen a renaissance.
In this chapter, implanted and transcutaneous stimulation as possible therapeutic options are described, as are some of the issues surrounding this novel therapy.
Insomnia in childhood
Authors: Tyack Charlie
Published: February 2022

The range of unwanted behaviours arising from sleep is wide, and is not limited to the archetypal non-REM parasomnias such as sleepwalking, or REM sleep behaviour disorder. Some parasomnias, such as sleep paralysis and sleep-related hallucinations, are part of the classic tetrad of narcolepsy, but are encountered as isolated phenomena in an extremely high proportion of the otherwise normal population. Others are much less commonly experienced or encountered, but a knowledge of these conditions often permits a rapid diagnosis.
This chapter discusses a range of other parasomnias that may occasionally be encountered in clinical practice, including rhythmic movement disorder, hypnic jerks, exploding head syndrome and propriospinal myoclonus.
Primary sleep problems in the typically developing child
Authors: Farquhar Michael
Published: February 2022

Various behavioural approaches have been shown to ameliorate sleep in children who have difficulties with initiating sleep and getting back to sleep during the night. The fundamentals of these techniques are the same irrespective of the underlying health or environmental concerns. Essential foundations of good sleep include consistent sleep timings with a nightly pre-bed wind-down routine, which is maintained at weekends and during school/nursery holidays, and age-appropriate bedtimes.
This chapter focusses mainly on behavioural interventions to address unhelpful sleep associations that younger children might develop, leading them to “need” parental presence in order to initiate sleep, and following night wakings. Behavioural interventions depend on caregiver engagement; habit change is effortful for all involved. Central to assessment should be clarifying goals of the child (if possible) and their caregivers. Patients (and their families) and clinicians can hold differing beliefs about ideal sleep, owing to societal, cultural and familial influences. Beliefs about medications can also play a role: some people would prefer the change be effected via medication than take a more active role in behavioural change. Motivational interviewing can support this process, and SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable and time-based) goals should be established.
Sleep and pain
Authors: Nesbitt Alexander D.
Published: February 2022

There is a complex relationship between sleep and epilepsy. Some epileptic seizures mainly occur during sleep and may represent a differential diagnostic challenge from parasomnias, and vice versa. Epilepsy may be exacerbated by sleep deprivation and sleep disorders disrupting sleep may therefore worsen epilepsy. Finally, epilepsy and anti-seizure medications may aggravate some sleep disorders.
Knowledge of this relationship is important for the diagnosis and management of all individuals with epilepsy, and an understanding of epilepsy as a differential diagnosis for parasomnias is crucial for any clinician seeing patients with parasomnia complaints.
Clearly Suicidal and Not Talking
Authors: Becker Ina
Published: February 2022

The clinical psychiatric interview is the most important diagnostic tool for emergency physicians who are assessing patients with any kind of mental health issues. A sophisticated interview and observation of a patient can, most of the time, lead to a diagnosis and recommendations for most promising treatments. Unfortunately, most patients in acute crisis are not able or willing to participate in a full interview. The case presented in this chapter describes assessment and treatment of a patient who was clearly suicidal and not at all able to participate in her evaluation.
Naked and Afraid
Authors: Scaff Tyler L.
Published: February 2022

Agitation in the emergency department has a complex etiology that includes not only illness but also lack of access to basic needs. This chapter explores the causes of agitation and how to mitigate them in sick patients who are stranded in a bright, noisy, smelly, uncomfortable emergency department. The author explores Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and discusses how this basic psychological concept serves as an underpinning for unpredictable behavior by patients in the emergency department. The chapter covers strategies for de-escalation, safety tips for staff, and ultimately end-point management of patients whose behavior is refractory to attempts to calm them.
The Fatigued IT Worker
Authors: Khammahavong Gary , Kosanovich Mitchell
Published: February 2022

The workup and disposition of a patient who presents to the emergency department with depressive symptoms are multifaceted. A differential diagnosis needs to be developed for the patient, which can include psychiatric causes as well as organic causes such as medications, drug intoxication, and infectious causes. After ruling out organic causes, a disposition for the patient who presents with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation can be made.
Helping the Homeless in the ED
Authors: Panapa Megan A. , Aloi Mara S.
Published: February 2022

Those who are homeless and have serious mental illness have a much higher mortality rate compared to the general population. The emergency department plays a critical role in the care of these patients, as this is often these patients’ primary contact with healthcare. Homeless people are often the subject of stigmatization and judgment, while providers can have compassion fatigue in the setting of repeated emergency department visits without seeing improvement in these patients’ health. Our perspective on these patients’ circumstances is best informed by understanding the historical context for the treatment of serious mental illness. The state mental health hospitals that were closed in the mid-1900s were never completely replaced, leaving the seriously mentally ill with limited access to inpatient care. Today, our country’s largest psychiatric facilities are prisons. These patients are at higher risk of traumatic head injuries and nutritional deficiencies that can mimic psychosis. We can be advocates for our patients and reduce their burden of disease by providing excellent medical treatment, connecting these patients to homeless-specific services and resources, and providing care that is free of blame for those who face challenging circumstances daily. Social service programs such as “housing first” programs and intensive case management that are specific to the homeless population have shown improved outcomes for these patients.
Down with Disease
Authors: Johnjulio William A. , Davenport Moira
Published: February 2022

Accessing mental health care is becoming increasingly difficult, and emergency departments are tasked with caring for larger numbers of psychiatric patients. The first priority of the emergency physician is to perform the ABCs and a focused history and physical exam, and to determine if there are any medical conditions that need to be addressed concurrently with psychiatric considerations. Evaluation of many psychiatric complaints is facilitated by having 24-hour psychiatry staff, either in person or through telemedicine, to assist in determining which patients may be safe for discharge and which may require inpatient admission. Having access to psychiatric consultation also helps initiate early medication administration for boarders. The presence of a dedicated psychiatric area within emergency departments may also prove to be beneficial in the efficient evaluation of the acute psychiatric patient. Lastly, engaging social workers and case managers to coordinate inpatient and outpatient resources is another means to improve access to mental health care in the emergency department.
The ringworm children at the Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris
Authors: Tilles Gérard
Published: February 2022

Starting in the 1850s, the treatment of ringworm, also known as tinea capitis, in children became valued as a serious matter for the dermatologists practicing at Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. In the 1890s Sabouraud’s seminal works in mycology highlighted the interest in tinea capitis. Ringworm’s contagiousness, which justified the isolation of affected children, and their need for education led to the creation of the Ecole de Teigneux inside the Saint-Louis Hospital. It was later transformed into a central hospital for children with ringworm. At the turn of the 19th century, tinea capitis generated a medical anxiety that legitimized the use of x-rays, even though the safety of this treatment was unclear.
Ringworm
Authors: Homei Aya , Worboys Michael
Published: February 2022

The chapter frames ringworm as a disease of schools and schoolchildren in United Kingdom. The disease had been reported previously in orphanages and similar institutions, but its incidence and profile increased with the arrival of mass schooling, which provided ideal conditions for its spread, both through increased opportunities for contagion (seeding) and the exposure of poor children (weakened soil). Responses to the problem included special schools for the isolation and treatment of sufferers. These became sites for the use of the new x-ray technologies, not to kill the seeds of infection, but to alter the soil by removing hair, the locus of infection.
The JDC-Joint and OSE campaign for eradication of ringworm in the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and North Africa
Authors: Shvarts Shifra , Romem Pnina , Romem Itzhak , Shani Mordechai
Published: February 2022

After World War I, ringworm reached epidemic proportions among children in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and North Africa, blocking the possibility of immigrating to the West and to Israel. To fight this epidemic, between 1921 and 1938 the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe organized a ringworm eradication campaign by establishing irradiation centers and training nurses and doctors to treat the disease. In the course of the campaign 27,000 children were treated for ringworm with irradiation. In a similar campaign in North Africa between the years 1947 and 1960, some 22,000 Jewish children with ringworm were treated. Because most of the ringworm children from Eastern Europe perished in the Holocaust, discovery of the latent health risks of irradiation in childhood were never known; the remaining remnant immigrated to Israel and the United States. Most of the North African children immigrated to Israel.
Healing the children and the nation
Authors: Shvarts Shifra , Bar Oz Aya , Shachar Eli , Levi Sari , Samchi Sigal , Bavli Itai
Published: February 2022

This chapter examines the ringworm eradication program in the Jewish community in Israel during the British Mandate period (1917–1948) and discusses the “war on ringworm” in the first decade after independence in the State of Israel (1948–1960). Evidence is presented that the medical protocol that was developed in Israel to treat ringworm was carried out in accordance with the best method currently used in medical practice in the Western medical community at the time. This fact challenges a widespread public opinion in Israel that irradiation against ringworm of immigrant children in the 1950s was carried out by Israeli authorities irresponsibly and singled out Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel from non-Western countries for such treatment. This erroneous outlook drove legislation in 1994 (the Ringworm Victims Compensation Law), a law that was not enacted anywhere else in the world.
The Big 6
Authors: Feinstein Robert E.
Published: February 2022

The literature on evidence-based treatment of personality disorders (PDs) has exploded in the last 50 years. What began as an effort to treat patients with borderline personality disorder has expanded to treat other PDs and conditions. This chapter (1) examines the constitutional/genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the etiology of the PDs; (2) describes common themes in the evidence-based psychotherapies of PDs including (i) treatment frame/structuring and contract for treatment, (ii) self-awareness (i.e., mindfulness, affect consciousness, and mentalization, (iii) managing countertransference or countertherapeutic reactions, (iv) therapist responsiveness to the patient, (v) recognizing missteps, mistakes, and therapeutic ruptures, (vi) repairing the working alliance, and (vii.) supervision; and (3) provides an overview of six evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PDs including their varying theoretical perspectives and concepts, interventions, and techniques available for therapists treating patients with PDs. This chapter is written to help clinicians and researchers: (1) understand the underlying commonalities behind the six EBPs; (2) familiarize themselves with diverse treatment approaches to the PDs and their underlying theories; (3) consider how to apply some of these commonalties and differences to increase one’s therapeutic responsiveness to individual patient needs; (4) decide if, how, and when, to combine aspects of these various treatment approaches to improve clinical outcomes; and (5) consider how adding elements to existing therapies may be useful to researchers in the development of new multimodal treatments.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Authors: Crowell Sheila E. , Kaliush Parisa R. , Vlisides-Henry Robert D. , Molina Nicolette
Published: February 2022

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a principle-based third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is an empirically supported psychological intervention that is effective for a range of psychiatric diagnoses and clinical problems. In particular, DBT is helpful for patients who struggle with dysregulated emotions, behaviors, attention, and/or interpersonal relationships, such as those with personality disorders, self-injurious behaviors, chronic mood disorders, substance abuse, and histories of childhood abuse or neglect. DBT is a philosophically complex psychotherapy. It is founded on principles of behaviorism, enriched with the philosophy of dialectics, and it incorporates mindfulness-based practices adopted from Buddhist traditions. Adherent practitioners often receive years of training and consultation. This chapter first introduces the core elements of DBT for those who are not familiar with it. We then review evidence for DBT as an effective treatment for personality disorders. Finally, we conclude by summarizing limitations and future directions for research and practice of DBT. Throughout this chapter, we draw upon our clinical experiences and lessons learned as practitioners. We argue that DBT is among the most effective interventions for complex, multi-diagnostic patient groups when it is delivered in a comprehensive and adherent manner.
Psychopharmacology of Personality Disorders
Authors: Smith Tawny L. , Catanzano Samantha M.
Published: February 2022

While psychotherapy is the mainstay treatment for personality disorders, off-label use of medications is commonplace. Individuals with personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder (BPD), are prescribed medications at a higher rate than other psychiatric diagnoses. Medication choices are often guided by dominant symptom domain(s) and frequently occurring psychiatric comorbidities. This chapter explores the role of medication in the management of personality disorders and the evidence for or against their use. More in-depth guidance is provided for pharmacologic prescribing approaches for BPD.