bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peri-urban promises of connectivity: Linking project-led polycentrism to the infrastructure scramble
Authors: Kanai J Miguel , Schindler Seth
Published: March 2018

This paper offers an interpretive framework linking polycentric urban expansion in emerging/frontier economies to the global extension of infrastructure networks. Drawing from scholarship on state restructuring, we theorize an infrastructure scramble whereby numerous state actors and agencies make massive investments in infrastructure connectivity to secure effective integration to transnational value chains as economic and geopolitical competition intensify. This has manifold territorial implications, and matters for debates on planetary urbanization. Novel urbanization processes include the proliferation of peri-urban nodes. Built in cheaply available land, these respond to (or anticipate economic gains from) enhanced connective infrastructure. In contrast to city-regional exemplars, project-led polycentrism does not arise from territorially decentralized governance arrangements, and may deepen peri-urban exclusion. The paper includes an experimental comparison of two peri-urban nodal projects: the Iranduba University City (IUC), located in a riparian rainforest of the Brazilian Amazon 17 miles from bustling Manaus, and the Bagamoyo Port and Special Economic Zone, located 35 miles north of the congested port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s expansive capital. Our findings suggest that: (i) techno-entrepreneurial capacity requirements underpin the centralist scalar politics governing the development of peri-urban nodes; as (ii) state-led projects rely on ambitious physical planning, with masterplans evincing elite, globalization-oriented objectives that neglect local needs and trigger displacement and (iii) even failing projects spearhead varying trajectories of territorial transformation in erstwhile-stagnant peri-urban peripheries. Concluding, we call for further research on multiple drivers and modalities of polycentrism in the global South, and the infrastructure scramble’s broad implications for hyper-connected and bypassed territories.
Effects of nerve growth factor experimentally-induced craniofacial muscle sensitization on referred pain frequency and number of headache days: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study
Authors: Exposto FG , Masuda M , Castrillon EE , Svensson P
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess if repeated intramuscular injections of nerve growth factor into the temporalis and masseter muscles increase mechanical sensitivity and entropy scores. Furthermore, to investigate if increased mechanical sensitivity would lead to increased prevalence of referred pain in the studied individuals. Finally, if increased muscle sensitization would lead to an increase in number of headache days during the experimental period.

Methods

The present double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study recruited 16 healthy participants who were injected with nerve growth-factor, on 2 days, into the masseter and temporalis muscles and isotonic saline on the contralateral side. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed at seven different time-points (total of 21 days) by application of three different forces to 15 different sites of both muscles. Participants were asked after each force application if they experienced referred pain and were asked to keep a headache diary during the experimental period.

Results

In summary, a) repeated intramuscular injections of nerve-growth-factor caused an increase in mechanical sensitivity for the masseter but not the temporalis muscle, and an increase in entropy scores when compared to the isotonic saline side. b) Both referred pain frequency and number of headache days were not increased following nerve-growth-factor injections.

Conclusions

These findings support the idea that mechanical sensitization in the masseter and temporalis muscles differs following injections of nerve growth factor. Furthermore, referred pain and headache frequency do not seem to be related to nerve growth factor sensitization in this model. These findings support the idea that in healthy individuals referred pain may be an epiphenomenon of the muscle in response to noxious input.
White matter hyperintensities and headache: A population-based imaging study (HUNT MRI)
Authors: Honningsvåg Lasse-Marius , Håberg Asta Kristine , Hagen Knut , Kvistad Kjell Arne , Stovner Lars Jacob , Linde Mattias
Published: March 2018

Objective

To examine the relationship between white matter hyperintensities and headache.

Methods

White matter hyperintensities burden was assessed semi-quantitatively using Fazekas and Scheltens scales, and by manual and automated volumetry of MRI in a sub-study of the general population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT MRI). Using validated questionnaires, participants were categorized into four cross-sectional headache groups: Headache-free (n = 551), tension-type headache (n = 94), migraine (n = 91), and unclassified headache (n = 126). Prospective questionnaire data was used to further categorize participants into groups according to the evolution of headache during the last 12 years: Stable headache-free, past headache, new onset headache, and persistent headache. White matter hyperintensities burden was compared across headache groups using adjusted multivariate regression models.

Results

Individuals with tension-type headache were more likely to have extensive white matter hyperintensities than headache-free subjects, with this being the case across all methods of white matter hyperintensities assessment (Scheltens scale: Odds ratio, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.44–4.20). Migraine or unclassified headache did not influence the odds of having extensive white matter hyperintensities. Those with new onset headache were more likely to have extensive white matter hyperintensities than those who were stable headache-free (Scheltens scale: Odds ratio, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.13–4.44).

Conclusions

Having tension-type headache or developing headache in middle age was linked to extensive white matter hyperintensities. These results were similar across all methods of assessing white matter hyperintensities. If white matter hyperintensities treatment strategies emerge in the future, this association should be taken into consideration.
Hemoadsorption of high-mobility-group box 1 using a porous polymethylmethacrylate fiber in a swine acute liver failure model
Authors: Amemiya Ryusuke , Shinoda Masahiro , Yamada Masayuki , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Shimada Kaoru , Fujieda Hiroaki , Yagi Hiroshi , Mizota Takamasa , Nishiyama Ryo , Oshima Go , Yamada Shingo , Matsubara Kentaro , Abe Yuta , Hibi Taizo , Kitago Minoru , Obara Hideaki , Itano Osamu , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: March 2018

Background:

High-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 has been identified as an important mediator of various kinds of acute and chronic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to develop a column that effectively adsorbs high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 by altering the pore size of the fiber.

Materials and methods:

First, we produced three types of porous polymethylmethacrylate fiber by altering the concentration of polymethylmethacrylate dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide. We then selected a fiber based on the results of an in vitro incubation test of high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 adsorption. Using the selected fiber, we constructed a new column and tested its high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 adsorption capacity during 4-h extracorporeal hemoperfusion in a swine acute liver failure model.

Results:

Electron microscope observation showed that the three types of fibers had different pore sizes on the surface and in cross section, which were dependent on the concentration of polymethylmethacrylate. In the in vitro incubation test, fiber with moderate-sized pores demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity. In the in vivo hemoperfusion study, the ratio of the high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 concentration at the outlet versus the inlet of the column was significantly lower with the new column than with the control column during 4-h extracorporeal hemoperfusion. The normalized plasma level of high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 at 12 h after the completion of hemoperfusion was significantly lower with the new column than with the control column.

Conclusion:

The newly developed polymethylmethacrylate column adsorbs high-mobility-group box chromosomal protein 1 during hemoperfusion in swine ALF model.
School Victimization, Immigration, Dropping Out, and Gender Disparities
Authors: Peguero Anthony A. , Zavala Egbert , Shekarkhar Zahra , Walker-Pickett Moneque
Published: March 2018

The children of immigrants face a number of educational hurdles, such as disparate rates of victimization and increased risk of dropping out of high school. Few studies have explored how school victimization can explain the relationship between immigrant generation status and the likelihood of dropping out. The current study explores if, and how, the associations between school victimization, feeling unsafe at school, and dropping out vary across immigration generations andgender. Data are drawn from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. The sample for this study consists of 9,870 first ( N = 1,170, 12%), second ( N = 1,540, 16%), and third-plus ( N = 7,160, 73%) generation, female ( N = 5,050; 51%), and male (4,820; 49%) students in 580 public schools. Results indicate partial support for segmented assimilation and highlight important nuances related to immigrant generation status.in relation to key variables. For both males and females, generational status, victimization, and feeling unsafe at school significantly influence the likelihood (positively and negatively) of dropping out. In regard to school victimization, first generation females are less likely to drop out than third-plus generation females. For males, victimization at school generally decreases their likelihood of dropping out, except for second generation males who have an increased likelihood of dropping out. Females who feel unsafe are generally more likely to drop out, with no significant differences across generations. For males, feeling unsafe at school generally increases the likelihood of dropping out, except for second generation males who have a decreased likelihood of dropping out.
Peer Victimization and Dating Violence Victimization: The Mediating Role of Loneliness, Depressed Mood, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Cava María-Jesús , Buelga Sofía , Tomás Inés
Published: March 2018

Peer victimization and dating violence victimization have serious negative effects on adolescents’ health, and they seem to be related. However, the mediating processes in this relationship have not been sufficiently analyzed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the direct and indirect relationships between peer victimization and dating violence victimization, considering the possible mediator role of loneliness, depressed mood, and life satisfaction. These relationships are analyzed in boys and girls, and in early and middle adolescence. From an initial sample of 1,038 Spanish adolescents, those who had or had had in the past 12 months a dating relationship (647 adolescents; 49.1% boys, M = 14.38, SD = 1.43) were included in this study. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to test a double mediation model simultaneously for boys and girls, testing the invariance of the relationships among variables across genders. The same technique was used to test the model simultaneously for early and middle adolescence, testing the invariance of the relationships among variables across age groups. Results revealed a positive direct relationship between peer victimization and dating violence victimization, as well as the partial mediating role of loneliness and life satisfaction in this relationship. The mediator role of depressed mood was not supported. The same mediational model was confirmed in boys and girls, and in early and middle adolescence. These results highlight the important role of loneliness and life satisfaction to explain the link between peer victimization and dating violence victimization in adolescence. These findings may be useful for developing intervention programs aimed at preventing situations of multiple victimization during adolescence.
Family Accommodation as a Predictor of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Outcome for Childhood Anxiety
Authors: Salloum Alison , Andel Ross , Lewin Adam B. , Johnco Carly , McBride Nicole M. , Storch Eric A.
Published: March 2018

The current study examined the association of family accommodation (i.e., assisting the child to avoid experiencing anxiety and/or removing demands secondary to anxiety) and treatment remission and response among 72 youth (ages 7 to 13 years) who participated in a randomized clinical trial of a computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety. Measures of family accommodation, anxiety, treatment improvement, and functional impairment were administered. Results suggest that every one unit increase in the level of impact of accommodation on child functioning at baseline was associated with a 26% decrease in the odds of remission at the end of treatment. None of the accommodation subscales predicted treatment response. Findings support the practitioner assessing family accommodation at baseline and further research on family accommodation and treatment outcomes.
Exaggerated Arthropod Bite Reaction During Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Genois Annie , Côté Benoit , Belisle Annie
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The diagnosis of exaggerated bite reactions is based on the clinical and pathological characteristics of the lesions. These reactions can be an indicator of impending immune suppression.

Methods:

The authors report the case of a 35-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a pruriginous vesicular and pustular eruption over her thighs and buttocks. The clinical and pathological findings were compatible with an exaggerated bite reaction. The patient did not report any severe or exaggerated reaction to insect bites in the past. It was her first episode.

Conclusion:

Exaggerated bite reactions have been described with hematological malignancies, mostly chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In our literature review, we did not find any reports of severe local bite reactions occurring during pregnancy. We hypothesize that the changes in the immune system during pregnancy might explain the development of exaggerated bite reactions in our patient.
A review of laboratory methods and results used to evaluate protective headgear in American football
Authors: Bina Alexander J , Batt Gregory S , DesJardins John D
Published: March 2018

As head trauma becomes more firmly associated with American football, research has focused on improving the impact performance of protective headgear. Since helmet use became mandatory in 1939–1940, both helmet design and laboratory methods used to evaluate helmet impact performance have evolved. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this article analyzes the impact results from laboratory evaluations of helmet performance, including a look at the evolution of protective headgear performance in football. In total, 35 separate studies conducted between 1975 and 2017 were used to examine current testing methodologies and reported impact results from headgear performance laboratory assessments. This review showed that the evolution in helmet design over the last 50 years has resulted in a decrease in linear and rotational acceleration of an impacted headform. The most common laboratory methods used to reconstruct football-specific head impacts included (1) linear drop methods, (2) pendulum methods, and (3) pneumatic ram methods. Each method provided greater understanding of helmet impact performance, helmet design, and use in football, with each method having specific limitations in the evaluation of protective headgear performance.
Using agent-based models to understand the role of individuals in the song evolution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Mcloughlin Michael , Lamoni Luca , Garland Ellen C. , Ingram Simon , Kirke Alexis , Noad Michael J. , Rendell Luke , Miranda Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Male humpback whales produce hierarchically structured songs, primarily during the breeding season. These songs gradually change over the course of the breeding season, and are generally population specific. However, instances have been recorded of more rapid song changes where the song of a population can be replaced by the song of an adjacent population. The mechanisms that drive these changes are not currently understood, and difficulties in tracking individual whales over long migratory routes mean field studies to understand these mechanisms are not feasible. In order to help understand the mechanisms that drive these song changes, we present here a spatially explicit agent-based model inspired by methods used in computer music research. We model the migratory patterns of humpback whales, a simple song learning and production method coupled with sound transmission loss, and how often singing occurs during these migratory cycles. This model is then extended to include learning biases that may be responsible for driving changes in the song, such as a bias towards novel song, production errors, and the coupling of novel song bias and production errors. While none of the methods showed population song replacement, our model shows that shared feeding grounds where conspecifics are able to mix provide key opportunities for cultural transmission, and that production errors facilitated gradually changing songs. Our results point towards other learning biases being necessary in order for population song replacement to occur.
Two Sides of the Chinese Sports Media Story: Contrasting State-Owned and Commercially Sponsored Chinese Websites by Nation and Sex of Athlete
Authors: Billings Andrew , Xu Qingru , Xu Mingming
Published: March 2018

This study content analyzed news coverage of two state-owned and two commercially sponsored Chinese sports websites over a 14-day period, focusing on issues of nationality and biological sex. Examining 3,417 news stories and 2,327 news images, this study found that the online sports coverage on state and commercial media can be largely divergent, with the former prioritizing party-state ideology and the latter pursuing commercial profits. Compared to the state websites, the commercial websites tended to provide foreign athletes or teams more coverage, whereas the sexualization of women athletes on commercial websites was significant, yet virtually nonexistent on state websites.
The Curious Case of CTE: Mediating Materialities of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ventresca Matt
Published: March 2018

This article investigates how media discourses are sites for multiple “becomings” of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurobiological condition associated with repetitive brain trauma. I explain that these discourses are contexts in which multiple actors (journalists, scientists, athletes, and sports organizations) struggle to represent the material complexities of CTE through competing ways of knowing. My analysis reveals two tensions underlying debates about sport-related traumatic brain injury. First, my examination reveals discursive clashes between emotionally charged representations of CTE as an urgent public health problem and commentary cautioning audiences about the scientific uncertainty surrounding CTE. I illuminate how, in the face of this uncertainty, scientific conclusiveness remains privileged as the basis for meaningful action to improve athletes’ health. Second, inconsistencies across representations I examined illustrate how CTE defies a straightforward material-semiotic divide. These contradictions demonstrate how the materialities of CTE exceed the medico-scientific and lay discourses through which the condition is commonly known. I argue that such limitations should not enable stakeholders to overlook calls for drastic changes to how sports are played or deflect questions about how sports violence impacts athletes’ lives. Instead, this level of uncertainty should accelerate (rather than delay) challenges to socially acceptable levels of sports violence.
Reducing rates of Clostridium difficile infection by switching to a stand-alone NAAT with clear sampling criteria
Authors: Casari E. , De Luca C. , Calabrò M. , Scuderi C. , Daleno C. , Ferrario A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Clostridium difficile infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality but the optimal method of diagnosis for both patient management and infection prevention remains controversial.

Methods

Our hospital made a decision to switch from the use of toxin immunoassay to a stand-alone nucleic acid test. This change was accompanied by the provision of clear sampling guidance and rejection criteria and this study aimed to assess the impact of that change. We analysed sample numbers, numbers of positive results, and the proportion of cases assessed as healthcare acquired over a 6-year period during which the testing method was changed from a toxin A/B immunoassay to a stand-alone commercial nucleic acid test after the first two years.

Results

Sample numbers and numbers of cases assessed as healthcare acquired fell following the introduction of the nucleic acid test and sampling guidance, while infection rates in other hospitals in the same region remained relatively stable.

Conclusions

It is our opinion that the use of a highly sensitive assay together with clear sampling guidance offers the optimal approach to patient management and best use of isolation facilities.
Molecular Analysis of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Saudi Arabia: SLC26A7 Mutation Is a Novel Defect in Thyroid Dyshormonogenesis
Authors: Zou Minjing , Alzahrani Ali S , Al-Odaib Ali , Alqahtani Mohammad A , Babiker Omer , Al-Rijjal Roua A , BinEssa Huda A , Kattan Walaa E , Al-Enezi Anwar F , Al Qarni Ali , Al-Faham Manar S A , Baitei Essa Y , Alsagheir Afaf , Meyer Brian F , Shi Yufei
Published: March 2018

Context

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common neonatal endocrine disorder, affecting one in 3000 to 4000 newborns. Since the introduction of a newborn screening program in 1988, more than 300 cases have been identified. The underlying genetic defects have not been systematically studied.

Objective

To identify the mutation spectrum of CH-causing genes.

Methods

Fifty-five patients from 47 families were studied by next-generation exome sequencing.

Results

Mutations were identified in 52.7% of patients (29 of 55) in the following 11 genes: TG, TPO, DUOX2, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, TSHB, TSHR, NKX2-1, PAX8, CDCA8, and HOXB3. Among 30 patients with thyroid dyshormonogenesis, biallelic TG mutations were found in 12 patients (40%), followed by biallelic mutations in TPO (6.7%), SLC26A7 (6.7%), and DUOX2 (3.3%). Monoallelic SLC26A4 mutations were found in two patients, one of them coexisting with two tandem biallelic deletions in SLC26A7. In 25 patients with thyroid dysgenesis, biallelic mutations in TSHR were found in six patients (24%). Biallelic mutations in TSHB, PAX 8, NKX2-1, or HOXB3 were found once in four different patients. A monoallelic CDCA8 mutation was found in one patient. Most mutations were novel, including three TG, two TSHR, and one each in DUOX2, TPO, SLC26A7, TSHB, NKX2-1, PAX8, CDCA8, and HOXB3. SLC26A7 and HOXB3 were novel genes associated with thyroid dyshormonogenesis and dysgenesis, respectively.

Conclusions

TG and TSHR mutations are the most common genetic defects in Saudi patients with CH. The prevalence of other disease-causing mutations is low, reflecting the consanguineous nature of the population. SLC26A7 mutations appear to be associated with thyroid dyshormonogenesis.
Comprehensive Metabolic Profiling Reveals a Lipid-Rich Fingerprint of Free Thyroxine Far Beyond Classic Parameters
Authors: Lange Thomas , Budde Kathrin , Homuth Georg , Kastenmüller Gabi , Artati Anna , Krumsiek Jan , Völzke Henry , Adamski Jerzy , Petersmann Astrid , Völker Uwe , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Pietzner Maik
Published: March 2018

Objective

Thyroid hormones are ubiquitously involved in human metabolism. However, the precise molecular patterns associated with alterations in thyroid hormones levels remain to be explored in detail. A number of recent studies took great advantage of metabolomics profiling to outline the metabolic actions of thyroid hormones in humans.

Methods

Among 952 participants in the Study of Health in Pomerania, data on serum free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin and comprehensive nontargeted metabolomics data from plasma and urine samples were available. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between FT4 or thyrotropin and metabolite levels.

Results and Conclusion

After accounting for major confounders, 106 of 613 plasma metabolites were significantly associated with FT4. The associations in urine were minor (12 of 587). Most of the plasma metabolites consisted of lipid species, and subsequent analysis of highly resolved lipoprotein subclasses measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed a consistent decrease in several of these species (e.g., phospholipids) and large low-density lipoprotein and small high-density lipoprotein particles. The latter was unique to men. Several polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids displayed an association with FT4 in women only. A random forest-based variable selection approach using phenotypic characteristics revealed higher alcohol intake in men and an adverse thyroid state and menopause in women as the putative mediating factors. In general, our observations have confirmed the lipolytic and lipogenic effect of thyroid hormones even in the physiological range and revealed different phenotypic characteristics (e.g., lifestyle differences) as possible confounders for sex-specific findings.
Perceived patient burden and acceptability of whole body MRI for staging lung and colorectal cancer; comparison with standard staging investigations
Authors: Evans Ruth EC , Taylor Stuart A , Beare Sandra , Halligan Steve , Morton Alison , Oliver Alf , Rockall Andrea , Miles Anne
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To evaluate perceived patient burden and acceptability of whole body MRI (WB-MRI) compared to standard staging investigations, and identify predictors of reduced tolerance.

Methods:

Patients recruited to multicentre trials comparing WB-MRI with standard staging scans for lung and colorectal cancer were invited to complete two questionnaires: a baseline questionnaire at recruitment, measuring demographics, comorbidities, and distress; and a follow-up questionnaire after staging, measuring recovery time, comparative acceptability/satisfaction between WB-MRI and CT (colorectal cancer) and PET-CT (lung cancer), and perceived scan burden (scored 1, low; 7, high). 

Results:

115 patients (median age 66.3 years; 67 males) completed follow up and 103 baseline questionnaires. 69 (63.9%) reported “immediate” recovery from WB-MRI and 73 (65.2%) judged it “very acceptable”. Perceived WB-MRI burden was greater than for CT (p < 0.001) and PET-CT (p < 0.001). High distress and comorbidities were associated with greater WB-MRI burden in adjusted analyses, with deprivation only approaching significance (adjusted regression β = 0.223, p = 0.025; β = 0.191, p = 0.048; β = −0.186, p = 0.059 respectively). Age (p = 0.535), gender (p = 0.389), ethnicity (p = 0.081) and cancer type (p = 0.201) were not predictive of WB-MRI burden.

Conclusion:

 WB-MRI is marginally less acceptable and more burdensome than standard scans, particularly for patients with pre-existing distress and comorbidities. 

Advances in knowledge:

This research shows that WB-MRI scan burden, although low, is higher than for current staging modalities among patients with suspected colorectal or lung cancer. Psychological and physical comorbidities adversely impact on patient experience of WB-MRI. Patients with high distress or comorbid illness may need additional support to undergo a WB-MRI.
Rapid coral mortality following unusually calm and hot conditions on Iriomote, Japan
Authors: Baird Andrew H , Keith Sally A. , Woolsey Erika , Yoshida Ryuta , Naruse Tohru
Published: March 2018

Coral bleaching can be induced by many different stressors, however, the most common cause of mass bleaching in the field is higher than average sea surface temperatures (SST). Here, we describe an unusual bleaching event that followed very calm sea conditions combined with higher than average SST. Patterns of mortality differed from typical bleaching in four ways: 1) mortality was very rapid; 2) a different suite of species were most affected; 3) tissue mortality in Acropora spp. was often restricted to the center of the colony; 4) the event occurred early in summer. The two weeks prior to the event included 8 days where the average wind speed was less than 3 ms-1. In addition, SSTs in the weeks preceding and during the event were 1.0-1.5°C higher than the mean for the last 30 years. We hypothesize that this unusual bleaching event was caused by anoxia resulting from a lack of water movement induced by low wind speeds combined with high SST.
PPInfer: a Bioconductor package for inferring functionally related proteins using protein interaction networks
Authors: Jung Dongmin , Ge Xijin
Published: March 2018

Interactions between proteins occur in many, if not most, biological processes. This fact has motivated the development of a variety of experimental methods for the identification of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Leveraging PPI data available in the STRING database, we use a network-based statistical learning methods to infer the putative functions of proteins from the known functions of neighboring proteins on a PPI network. This package identifies such proteins often involved in the same or similar biological functions. The package is freely available at the Bioconductor web site (http://bioconductor.org/packages/PPInfer/).
Associations between atopic dermatitis and other disorders
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I.
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis is a heterogeneous, chronic, and inflammatory skin disease that is associated with a profound symptom burden. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between atopic dermatitis and a number of multi-organ and systemic disorders. The origin of these comorbid conditions is likely multifactorial, with combined effects of skin-barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, intense symptoms, and iatrogenic complications. Some of these comorbid conditions appear to be related to the underlying severity of atopic dermatitis and inadequate disease control. This review will summarize recent developments in the understanding of the comorbid health disorders associated with atopic dermatitis, particularly infections, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular disease.
Renal cell carcinoma: a review of biology and pathophysiology
Authors: Nabi Shahzaib , Kessler Elizabeth R. , Bernard Brandon , Flaig Thomas W. , Lam Elaine T.
Published: March 2018

Over the past decade, our understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has improved significantly. Insight into the disease process has helped us in developing newer therapeutic approaches toward RCC. In this article, we review the various genetic and immune-related mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and development of this cancer and how that knowledge is being used to develop therapeutic targeted drugs for the treatment of RCC. The main emphasis of this review article is on the most common genetic alterations found in clear cell RCC and how various drugs are currently targeting such pathways. This article also looks at the role of the immune system in allowing the growth of RCC and how the immune system can be manipulated to reactivate cytotoxic immunity against RCC.
Cutting down the time to identify challenging tumor therapeutic targets and drug combinations using synthetic lethal approaches
Authors: Lazo John S.
Published: March 2018

Cancer drug discoverers and developers are blessed and cursed with a plethora of drug targets in the tumor cells themselves and the surrounding stromal elements. This bounty of targets has, at least in part, inspired the rapid increase in the number of clinically available small-molecule, biological, and cellular therapies for solid and hematological malignancies. Among the most challenging questions in cancer therapeutics, especially for small molecules, is how to approach loss-of-function gene mutations or deletions that encode tumor suppressors. A second mounting question is what are the optimal drug combinations. This article will briefly review the recent advances in exploitingin vitroandin vivosynthetic lethal screens to expose cancer pharmacological targets with the goal of developing new drug combinations.
Medical students- Attitude towards sexuality at the time of joining medical course
Authors: Shah Charmi
Published: March 2018

Aim of the study

Among the freshly joined medical students,to study the attitude towards various aspects of sexuality for self and Others & to explore the gender differences in them.

Subject or material and methods

Study setting:
Participants were the 98 students who had joined the medical course before 3 weeks.
Material:
Trueblood Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire (TSAQ)

Results

Students have shown liberal attitudes towards others’ sexuality behaviors than for self & the difference is statistically significant .
Most liberal attitude found was towards others’ heterosexual behaviors and most conservative was for self homosexual behavior.
Only the difference between homosexuality and heterosexuality is statistically significant in attitudes towards self and others’ sexuality.
Males are having more liberal attitudes than females in both aspects-self & others & the gender difference is statistically significant in both the aspects.

Discussion

Student are having more negative attitude for others with homosexual behaviors, indulged in commercial activities or using variations in sexual behaviors. On the contrary, masturbation and heterosexual behavior is little more acceptable.Males are more liberal than females in each domain studied related to sexual behavior.
Due to having negative attitudes, the students may experience difficulty in dealing with sexual aspects of health particularly of the people having homosexual orientation, commercial sex workers or people involving in sexual variations.

Conclusions

Students are having different attitudes for self and others for sexuality behaviors. They are liberal for others. Male students are more liberal than females. All students are most conservative for homosexual behaviors and most liberal for heterosexual behavior.
A transgressão pela estética da falência na prosa poética de Konstantinos Kaváfis
Authors: Lima Fernanda , Póvoa Luciana
Published: March 2018

No presente artigo, pretende-se abordar a prosa poética do poeta helênico Konstantinos Kaváfis, buscando compreender como a através de uma estética da falência o poeta constroe uma produção literária que prima pela transgressão, tão cara à modernidade. Para tanto, recorreremos a autores como Charles Baudelaire e Walter Benjamin, sensíveis observadores de seus tempos.
Headshaking syndrome
Authors: Watson Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Rebecca Watson MSc RVN, discusses this distressing and difficult to treat condition
How to assess the equine mouth when bitting
Authors: Johnson Claire
Published: March 2018

Claire Johnson BEVA/BVDA Equine Dental Technician, discusses the impact of bitting on comfort and performance
Tackling delirium: a crucial target for improving clinical outcomes
Authors: Asadi Hanieh , Martin Daniel , McKenna Helen
Published: March 2018

Delirium is a common and debilitating syndrome in hospitalized patients, and its impact on mortality, morbidity and duration of hospital admission is increasingly apparent. Delirium is a complex phenomenon, for which there is no specific treatment, but research over the last decade has revealed contributing factors, many of which are modifiable, and preventative strategies have demonstrated benefit. This review highlights the importance of reducing the impact of delirium on hospitalized patients, and summarizes the current evidence for strategies to achieve this. Current recommendations focus on the pre-emptive implementation of multi-modal non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the occurrence of delirium in the first place, and routine monitoring using validated tools to identify delirious patients early. Potential therapies for established delirium remain controversial.
Biomarker-guided antibiotic cessation in sepsis: evidence and future challenges
Authors: Claxton Andrew N , Dark Paul M
Published: March 2018

Sepsis is a medical emergency, which requires the initiation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents as early as possible. In the absence of positive microbiological cultures providing targeted antimicrobial advice, broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly continued until there is clinical evidence of infection resolution. With an absence of robust evidence to inform when it is safe to stop antimicrobial agents in sepsis, the duration of antimicrobial courses may be longer than is required. Prolonged courses of potent broad-spectrum antimicrobials increase the risk of adverse drug events and contribute to the growing emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens, which is a global public health emergency. The protocolised use of protein biomarkers to guide clinical decision making can be used to help combat excessive durations of antimicrobials in patients with sepsis. This article reviews the current evidence for biomarker-guided antimicrobial discontinuation protocols in sepsis, identifies related evidence gaps and examines future innovation challenges in this field.
Streamline your administrative workload
Authors: Price Julie
Published: March 2018

Julie Price discusses how practices are adopting new ways of easing the administration burden to make service provision more manageable, while providing good-quality care for patients
Estates projects: A window of opportunity
Authors: Smaylen Bob
Published: March 2018

With growing political pressure for more visible investments in the primary care sector, 2018 could be a significant year for GP practices looking to modernise, expand or relocate their premises
Co-sourcing: A cost-effective solution?
Authors: Park Maxine
Published: March 2018

Maxine Park explains how the emergence of co-sourcing, where a business function is performed by both internal staff and external resources, is revolutionising business
State of adult social care services
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: March 2018

The CQC annual report, published late last year, provides food for thought for primary and adult social care service providers. This article explores the key messages and explains what needs to be done to take social care into 2018
Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds Released from Various Types of Decorative Particleboards
Authors: Liqun Jiang , Jun Shen , Hongwei Li , Xiwei Shen , Huajun Dong
Published: March 2018

Surface finishes change the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from wood-based panels. This research studied the effects of different finishes on the VOCs released from particleboard (18 mm thick). Various materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), melamine paper, and water-based paint, were compared with unfinished particleboard. A 1-m3 climate chamber and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy were used to examine the types and rates of release and the percentages of various VOCs released by decorative particleboard over 28 days. By comparing the characteristics of VOCs released from unfinished particleboard, the effects of different surface finishes were determined. The VOC substances of concern released from particleboards were analyzed by their type and concentration until they reached a state of equilibrium on day 28. Results showed that none of the surface finishes changed the variety of total VOC (TVOC) released from particleboard, but they had a prominent influence on the rate of TVOC released, especially in the early stages. Acrylic water-based paint increased the TVOC release rate from the particleboard, whereas the PVC and melamine finishes decreased the rate. Surface finishing greatly influences the concentration of various VOCs. Although the same types of VOCs were released by the various finished particleboards, they each had different release rates and different variations in their release-rate tendencies. Surface finishing can change the percentages of various VOC components, so that the amounts were different depending on the finish, and different types of VOCs were controlled better by certain types of finishes.
Teilhard de Chardin: nuevos paradigmas geológicos y prehistoria humana, en el centenario de Eduardo Suess
Authors: Sequeiros Leandros
Published: March 2018

El centenario del fallecimiento del geólogo Eduard Suess el 26 de abril 1914 es la ocasión para indagar en el conocimiento que Teilhard tenía de las ideas innovadoras en Ciencias de la Tierra y la aceptación por su parte de aquellos paradigmas que contribuyeron a su trabajo como geólogo en China durante veinte años. En el año 1921, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin publica en Études, la revista de los jesuitas franceses, un artículo al que titula como «La faz de la Tierra». El autor pretende informar a los lectores de las ideas más sobresalientes de uno de los grandes geólogos de finales del siglo xix y de inicio del siglo xx: Eduard Suess. Esta indagación ofrece la posibilidad de reflexionar filosóficamente sobre la epistemología oculta en Teilhard de Chardin y que contribuye de modo decisivo en la construcción de su gran síntesis. Por otra parte, hace cien años, entre 1912 y 1914, el joven Pierre Teilhard de Chardin dedica su tiempo al estudio de la prehistoria en París bajo la dirección de Marcellin Boule en el Instituto de Paleontología humana, incorporado al Museo de Historia Natural. Teilhard descubre que el conocimiento de las raíces humanas podría ser posible gracias a la emergencia de una disciplina nueva: la prehistoria. Entusiasmado con este descubrimiento, publica en 1913 un artículo en la revista de los jesuitas franceses, Études, en el que justifica el carácter científico de la prehistoria y su potencialidad para llegar a conocer nuestros orígenes humanos
La ciencia en el final de la edad media
Authors: Verdú Berganza Ignacio
Published: March 2018

Resumen: El presente artículo pretende mostrar que, en el ámbito de la ciencia, la Edad Media no fue un período oscuro y sin avances significativos, y que la modernidad no supuso una ruptura con lo hecho al final del medievo, sino algo muy distinto. Decir lo contrario es mantener un tópico que desfigura la realidad.
Retos que plantean las neurociencias a la antropología filosófica
Authors: Sánchez Orantos Antonio
Published: March 2018

Este artículo pretende ofrecer en diálogo con la Neurociencia un posible marco para definir críticamente el concepto de naturaleza humana y de persona. Intenta contribuir a afrontar el reto de los naturalismos en el pensamiento actual.
Es razonable mantener un monismo cristiano no reductivo? La teología confrontado con el problema Mente-Cerebro, Cuerpo-Alma
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Luis O.
Published: March 2018

¿Es Cristiana una Antropología esencialmente dualista o es razonable mantener una forma particular de monismo cristiano? Los acontecimientos recientes en neurociencias desafían la idea de un alma inmaterial, fuente de las operaciones espirituales tales como la cognición, volición, la libertad, los valores, la estética e incluso religiosidad. Este artículo presenta dos antropologías neurológicas: una representada por el libro L'homme neuronal de Jean Pierre Changeux y la otra representada por la obra de Gerald Edelman. A través de un análisis de la antropología bíblica y algunos textos relevantes escritos por san Ireneo de Lyon y Santo Tomás de Aquino, el artículo busca demostrar la existencia de una tradición cristiana que se caracteriza por un monismo no reduccionista. Por otra parte, una serie de principios teológicos pertinentes permiten recuperar esta tradición, que ha inspirado, y todavía debe inspirar, el desarrollo de un no-dualismo cristiano en antropología: el principio de la creación, un principio de encarnación y un principio escatológico. Esta tradición cristiana y el diálogo con las ciencias naturales inspiraron a dos teólogos cristianos contemporáneos para desarrollar sus antropologías holísticas: Karl Rahner y Alexander Ganoczy. Por último, el artículo describe lo que podría ser la contribución de la teología en el diálogo interdisciplinar en curso entre los neurocientíficos, los filósofos de la mente y los teólogos.
El transhumanismo de Ray Kurzweil. ¿Es la ontología biológica reductible a computación?
Authors: Monserrat Javier
Published: March 2018

Los programas de computación, ante todo la ingeniería de la visión artificial y la programación de los sensores somáticos, ya han permitido, y lo harán con mayor perfección en el futuro, construir con alta perfección androides o cyborgs que colaborarán con el hombre y abrirán sin duda nuevas reflexiones morales sobre como respetar en su dignidad ontológica las nuevas máquinas humanoides. Además, tanto los hombres actuales como los nuevos androides estarán en conexión con inmensas redes de computación externa que harán crecer de forma casi increíble la eficacia en el dominio del propio cuerpo y de la naturaleza. Sin embargo, nuestro conocimiento científico actual, por una parte, del hardware y del software que sostendrá tanto las máquinas humanoides como las redes de computación externa hechas con la ingeniería existente (y también la previsible a medio e incluso largo plazo) y, por otra, nuestro conocimiento científico sobre el comportamiento animal y humano desde las estructuras biológico-neuronales que producen un sistema psíquico, nos permiten establecer que no existe fundamento científico que permita hablar de una identidad ontológica entre las máquinas computacionales y el hombre. En consecuencia, diversas ontologías producirán sistemas funcionales diversos. Podrá haber simulación, pero nunca identidad ontológica. Estas ideas son esenciales para valorar el pensamiento transhumanista de Ray Kurzweil.
Metáfora técnica del cambio de agujas y acción comunicativa
Authors: Caballero Bono José Luis
Published: March 2018

La metáfora técnica «cambiar agujas» es empleada por Jürgen Habermas en el marco de su discusión sobre el diagnóstico preimplantatorio. Este artículo analiza la concordancia de dicha metáfora con las ideas de continuidad y acción comunicativa, así como la incoherencia que mantienen con ella ciertas afirmaciones sobre el estatuto del embrión humano. Tomar en serio la metáfora permite hablar de una acción comunicativa germinal en términos de llamada recibida por el agente racional como base de una llamada proferida respecto del ser humano no nacido.