bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric and Biochemical Profile of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Predialysis Pediatric Interdisciplinary Program
Authors: Silva Vanessa R. , Soares Cristina B. , Magalhães Juliana O. , de Barcelos Isabella Peixoto , Cerqueira Debora C. , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , Oliveira Eduardo A.
Published: January 2015

This is longitudinal retrospective observational cohort study that evaluated anthropometric and biochemical variables of children and adolescents admitted to a Predialysis Interdisciplinary Management Program (PDIMP) responsible for the follow‐up of children and adolescents at stages 2 to 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a tertiary center. One hundred thirty‐eight patients with CKD on predialysis treatment with median age at admission of 9 years and the median follow‐up time of 5 years were evaluated. Seventy‐four (53%) had CKD stage 3 at admission and 70 (51%) reached CKD stage 5 at the end of the follow‐up. There was no significant difference between the mean initial and final hemoglobin and serum albumin. However, the final serum bicarbonate presented a significant improvement. Analyses stratified according to clinical variables of interest showed a significant improvement in body mass index (BMI) Z score, especially in the subgroup of children admitted under two years of age. In relation to stature‐for‐age Z score, data show a significant improvement in stature SD at the end of the study. In conclusion, the present study showed improvement of nutritional status of CKD patients and that the deterioration of renal function was not correlated with BMI‐for‐age Z score.
Cancer Mortality Pattern in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Akinde Olakanmi Ralph , Phillips Adekoyejo Abiodun , Oguntunde Olubanji Ajibola , Afolayan Olatunji Michael
Published: January 2015

Background.Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and about 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The cancer mortality pattern is quite different in Africa compared to other parts of the world. Extensive literature research showed little or no information about the overall deaths attributable to cancer in Nigeria.Aims and Objectives.This study aims at providing data on the patterns of cancer deaths in our center using the hospital and autopsy death registers.Methodology.Demographic, clinical data of patients who died of cancer were extracted from death registers in the wards and mortuary over a period of 14 years (2000–2013).Results.A total of 1436 (4.74%) cancer deaths out of 30287 deaths recorded during the period. The male to female ratio was 1 : 2.2 and the peak age of death was between 51 and 60 years. Overall, breast cancer was responsible for most of the deaths.Conclusion.The study shows that the cancers that accounted for majority of death occurred in organs that were accessible to screening procedures and not necessary for survival. We advise regular screening for precancerous lesions in these organs so as to reduce the mortality rate and burden of cancer.
Acupuncture for Spasticity after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lim Sung Min , Yoo Junghee , Lee Euiju , Kim Hyun Jung , Shin Seungwon , Han Gajin , Ahn Hyeong Sik
Published: January 2015

The aim of this systematic review was to determine how effective acupuncture or electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) is in treating poststroke patients with spasticity. We searched publications in Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in English, 19 accredited journals in Korean, and the China Integrated Knowledge Resources Database in Chinese through to July 30, 2013. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with no language restrictions that compared the effects of acupuncture or electroacupuncture with usual care or placebo acupuncture. The two investigators assessed the risk of bias and statistical analyses were performed. Three RCTs in English, 1 in Korean, and 1 in Chinese were included. Assessments were performed primarily with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture or electroacupuncture significantly decreased spasticity after stroke. A subgroup analysis showed that acupuncture significantly decreased wrist, knee, and elbow spasticity in poststroke patients. Heterogeneity could be explained by the differences in control, acupoints, and the duration after stroke occurrence. In conclusion, acupuncture could be effective in decreasing spasticity after stroke, but long-term studies are needed to determine the longevity of treatment effects.
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment Implantation (Keraring 355°) in Patients with Central Keratoconus: 6-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Jadidi Khosrow , Mosavi Seyed Aliasghar , Nejat Farhad , Naderi Mostafa , Janani Leila , Serahati Sara
Published: January 2015

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of Keraring 355° intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation aided by PocketMaker microkeratome for the correction of keratoconus. Patients underwent ICRS insertion using mechanical dissection with PocketMaker microkeratome and completed 6 months of follow-up. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, topographic findings, safety, efficacy index, and adverse events were reported for six months postoperatively. We evaluated 15 eyes of 15 patients (12 men) with a mean age of 28.87 ± 6.94 years (range 21–49 years). At final postoperative examination, there was a statistically significant reduction in the spherical equivalent refractive error compared to preoperative measurements (−5.46 ± 1.52 to −2.01 ± 1.63 D,P<0.001). Mean preoperative UCVA (logMAR) before implantation was 0.79 ± 0.48, and postoperative UCVA was 0.28 ± 0.15,P=0.001. Mean preoperative BSCVA (logMAR) before implantation was 0.36 ± 0.21; at final follow-up examination BSCVA was 0.18 ± 0.9,P=0.009. MeanKdecreased from 48.33 to 43.31 D,P<0.001. All patients were satisfied with ICRS implantation; 86.7% were moderately to very happy with the results. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were demonstrated. This preliminary study shows that ICRS (Keraring 355°) implantation is an efficient, cost-effective, and minimally invasive procedure for improving visual acuity in nipple type keratoconic corneas.
Design and Delivery of a Tailored Intervention to Implement Recommendations for Multimorbid Patients Receiving Polypharmacy into Primary Care Practices
Authors: Jäger Cornelia , Szecsenyi Joachim , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: January 2015

Introduction.Managing polypharmacy is particularly demanding for general practitioners as coordinators of care. Recently, a German guideline for polypharmacy in primary care has been published. This paper describes the content and delivery of a tailored intervention, which aims at improving the implementation of guideline recommendations for polypharmacy into practice, considering individual barriers.Materials and Methods.Firstly, barriers for implementation and the corresponding strategies to address them have been identified. On this basis, an intervention consisting of a workshop for health care professionals and educational materials for patients has been developed. The workshop focused on knowledge, awareness, and skills. The educational materials included a tablet computer. Practice teams will elaborate individual concepts of how to implement the recommendations into their practice. The workshop has been evaluated by the participants by means of a questionnaire.Results.During the workshop 41 possible sources of medication errors and 41 strategies to improve medication management have been identified. Participants evaluated the workshop overall positively, certifying its relevancy to practice.Discussion.The concept of the workshop seemed appropriate to impart knowledge about medication management to the participants. It will have to be evaluated, if the intervention finally resulted in an improved implementation of the guideline recommendations.
Multiglandular Hormone Deficiency in a Patient with Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome
Authors: Then Cornelia , Ritzel Katrin , Seibold Christa , Mann Johannes F. E. , Reincke Martin
Published: January 2015

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare but potentially fatal disorder characterized by a loss of fluid and proteins into the interstitial space leading to intravascular hypovolemia up to the point of hypovolemic shock. We report the case of a 64-year-old man with SCLS and multiple hormone abnormalities (primary hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, and hypogonadism), deficiency of hormone binding globulins, and hypogammaglobulinemia. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, theophylline, and terbutaline. Strikingly, with the dissolution of peripheral edema, hormone levels improved. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SCLS associated with polyglandular abnormalities.
A Novel Torque Coordination Control Strategy of a Single-Shaft Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Sun Jing , Xing Guojing , Liu Xudong , Fu Xiaoling , Zhang Chenghui
Published: January 2015

The torque coordination control during mode transition is a very important task for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a clutch serving as the key enabling actuator element. Poor coordination will deteriorate the drivability of the driver and lead to excessive wearing to the clutch friction plates. In this paper, a novel torque coordination control strategy for a single-shaft parallel hybrid electric vehicle is presented to coordinate the motor torque, engine torque, and clutch torque so that the seamless mode switching can be achieved. Different to the existing model predictive control (MPC) methods, only one model predictive controller is needed and the clutch torque is taken as an optimized variable rather than a known parameter. Furthermore, the successful idea of model reference control (MRC) is also used for reference to generate the set-point signal required by MPC. The parameter sensitivity is studied for better performance of the proposed model predictive controller. The simulation results validate that the proposed novel torque coordination control strategy has less vehicle jerk, less torque interruption, and smaller clutch frictional losses, compared with the baseline method. In addition, the sensitivity and adaptiveness of the proposed novel torque coordination control strategy are evaluated.
Lower Serum Magnesium Is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Mortality in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: João Matias Patrícia , Azevedo Ana , Laranjinha Ivo , Navarro David , Mendes Marco , Ferreira Carina , Amaral Tiago , Jorge Cristina , Aires Inês , Gil Célia , Ferreira Aníbal
Published: January 2015

Background: Hypomagnesaemia is a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-dialysis magnesium (Mg) and CV risk markers, [including pulse pressure (PP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and vascular calcifications (VC)], and mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We performed a 48-month prospective study in 206 patients under pre-dilution haemodiafiltration with a dialysate Mg concentration of 1 mmol/l. Results: Lower Mg concentrations were predictors of an increased PP (≥65 mm Hg) (p = 0.002) and LVMI (≥140 g/m2) (p = 0.03) and of a higher VC score (≥3) (p = 0.01). Patients with Mg <1.15 mmol/l had a lower survival at the end of the study (p = 0.01). Serum Mg <1.15 mmol/l was an independent predictor of all-cause (p = 0.01) and CV mortality (p = 0.02) when adjusted for multiple CV risk factors. Conclusions: Lower Mg levels seem to be associated with increased CV risk markers, like PP, LVMI and VC, and with higher mortality in HD patients.
The Dermatologists' Role in Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Results of a Swiss Delphi Exercise Intended to Improve Collaboration with Rheumatologists
Authors: Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Anliker Mark David , Conrad Curdin , Dudler Jean , Hasler Fritz , Hasler Paul , Häusermann Peter , Kyburz Diego , Laffitte Emmanuel , Michel Beat A. , Möller Burkhard , Navarini Alexander A. , Villiger Peter M. , Yawalkar Nikhil , Gabay Cem
Published: January 2015

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) substantially impacts the management of psoriatic disease. Objective: This study aimed to generate an interdisciplinary national consensus on recommendations of how PsA should be managed. Methods: Based on a systematic literature search, an interdisciplinary expert group identified important domains and went through 3 rounds of a Delphi exercise, followed by a nominal group discussion to generate specific recommendations. Results: A strong consensus was reached on numerous central messages regarding the impact of PsA, screening procedures, organization of the interaction between dermatologists and rheumatologists, and treatment goals. Conclusion: These recommendations can serve as a template for similar initiatives in other countries. At the same time, they highlight the need to take into account the impact of the respective national health care system.
Predicting Weight Loss and Maintenance in Overweight/Obese Pediatric Patients
Authors: Wiegand Susanna , Keller Klaus-Michael , Lob-Corzilius Thomas , Pott Wilfried , Reinehr Thomas , Röbl Markus , Stachow Rainer , Tuschy Sabine , Weidanz Ingo , Widhalm Kurt , de Zwaan Martina , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: January 2015

Background: Pediatric lifestyle interventions have positive short-term effects on obese patients. Studies on long-term effects are still scarce in Europe. We investigated long-term weight patterns and sociodemographic predictors of a weight change in a large Central European (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) overweight pediatric cohort. Methods: The APV (Adiposity Patients Verlaufsbeobachtung) database was retrospectively analyzed; 157 specialized childhood obesity centers contributed standardized data of 29,181 patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥90th percentile; 5-25 years old] presenting between 2000 and 2012. BMI standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) were analyzed in a 2-year follow-up and grouped according to BMI-SDS changes. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between sociodemographic factors and weight patterns. Results: 2-year follow-up data were available in 3,135 patients (54.6% female). Five distinct weight trajectories ‘rapid weight loss' (n = 735, 23.4%), ‘delayed success' (n = 697, 22.2%), ‘cycling weight' (n = 43, 1.4%), ‘initial weight loss' and ‘weight rebound' (n = 383, 12.2%) and ‘no weight loss throughout' (n = 1,277, 40.7%) best characterized long-term BMI-SDS changes. Younger and male patients were more likely to reduce weight and maintain weight loss. Conclusions: Our results suggest that an intervention before the onset of puberty seems promising for long-term weight maintenance in overweight children. Thus, new concepts are needed to improve long-term treatment success in patients with lower success rates.
Relationship between Fat Mass Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Leptin in Preterm Infants between Term Age and 6 Months' Corrected Age
Authors: van Poelje Merel W. , van de Lagemaat Monique , Lafeber Harrie N. , Van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Rotteveel Joost
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: In term subjects, fat mass (FM) is positively associated with leptin, whereas studies in preterm infants show conflicting results. However, none of these studies measured FM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This study aims to relate FM measured by DEXA in relation to leptin and growth in preterm infants. Methods: In 139 preterm infants, weight (kg) and length (cm) were measured at birth, term age, and 6 months' corrected age (CA). FM (kg), measured by whole-body DEXA, and leptin (µg/l) were measured at term age and 6 months' CA. Results: At term age and 6 months' CA, FM was associated with leptin (β = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.51-2.36, and β = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26-0.48, respectively; p < 0.001). Gain in weight standard deviation score (SDS) between term age and 6 months' CA was associated with FM and leptin at 6 months' CA (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.18-0.30, and β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16-0.33, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In preterm infants, FM measured by DEXA is associated with leptin, which indicates that leptin is a marker of body FM during the first 6 months after term age. Gain in weight SDS between term age and 6 months' CA results in higher FM and higher leptin at 6 months' CA.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma of the Bone in an AIDS Patient
Authors: Yergiyev Oleksandr , Mohanty Alok , Curran-Melendez Sheilah , Latona Carmen R. , Bhagavatula Rama , Greenberg Larisa , Silverman Jan F.
Published: January 2015

Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Skin and mucous membranes are the most common sites, but other organs may be involved. Skeletal KS is rare and occurs either by direct spread of mucocutaneous lesions or through dissemination. Patients present with bone pain and lytic lesions for which they may undergo fine-needle aspiration (FNA). While there are about 70 published case reports of skeletal KS, there is limited literature specifically describing its cytomorphology. Our literature search yielded only a single prior reported case of FNA biopsy of skeletal KS in a Nigerian AIDS patient. Case: We present a case of disseminated KS of the axial skeleton in a 45-year-old African-American man with AIDS which was diagnosed on FNA cytologic examination. The patient presented with multiple lytic lesions in the axial skeleton. The aspirate, core-needle biopsy and touch imprint cytology of a bone lesion demonstrated clusters of spindle and epithelioid cells in radial and streaming arrangement with indistinct intercytoplasmic borders, elongated nuclei, fine chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positivity for HHV-8 and vascular markers. The cytomorphologic and ancillary features of the case are presented and discussed.
Optimising the Cutoffs of Cognitive Screening Instruments in Pragmatic Diagnostic Accuracy Studies: Maximising Accuracy or the Youden Index?
Authors: Larner Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: The optimal method of establishing test cutoffs or cutpoints for cognitive screening instruments (CSIs) is uncertain. Of the available methods, two base cutoffs on either the maximal test accuracy or the maximal Youden index. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of using these alternative methods of establishing cutoffs. Methods: Datasets from three pragmatic diagnostic accuracy studies which examined the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Test Your Memory (TYM) test were analysed to calculate test sensitivity and specificity using cutoffs based on either maximal test accuracy or the maximal Youden index. Results: For ACE-R, MoCA, and TYM, optimal cutoffs for dementia diagnosis differed from those in index studies when defined using either the maximal accuracy or the maximal Youden index method. Optimal cutoffs were higher for MMSE, MoCA, and TYM when using the maximal Youden index method and consequently more sensitive. Conclusion: Revision of the cutoffs for CSIs established in index studies may be required to optimise performance in pragmatic diagnostic test accuracy studies which more closely resemble clinical practice.
Evaluation of Bone Tissue Formation in a Flat Surface Attachment of a Bone Conduction Implant: A Pilot Study in a Sheep Model
Authors: Eeg-Olofsson Måns , Lith Agneta , Håkansson Bo , Reinfeldt Sabine , Taghavi Hamidreza , Fredén Jansson Karl-Johan , Johansson Carina B.
Published: January 2015

The bone conduction implant (BCI) is a new bone conduction hearing device implanted under intact skin. The transducer has a flat direct contact with the mastoid part of the temporal bone, and no screws are used. The sound signal is transmitted from the external audio processor to the implant by means of magnetic induction. In this study, osseointegration of a flat passive BCI transducer dummy in sheep skulls was assessed using quantitative and qualitative histology as well as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computed tomography (CT). The histology results were also related to the mechanical properties of the bone-to-implant interface. Eight months after the surgical implantation, histology sections of the bone close to the implant showed bone remodeling, compact bone and osseointegration. The histological findings corresponded well to the mechanical measurements indicating stiffer bone close to the implant and unaffected skull vibration transmission. Neither CBCT nor CT had enough resolution to visualize the bone-to-implant interface in detail. In this study, using an animal model, it is shown that a flat implant in contact with bone can be a feasible method for efficient vibration transmission to the skull bone.
Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia in an 85-Year-Old Diabetic Man
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Chandra Gopika , Voore Prakruthi , Khan Maliha , Halytskyy Oleksandr , Elhassan Ahmed , Ali Alaa M.
Published: January 2015

Emphysematous cholecystitis is an uncommon and dangerous complication of acute cholecystitis. Common risk factors for this disease include male gender, old age, presence of diabetes mellitus and cholelithiasis. The disease is best treated with emergent surgery and parenteral antibiotics. We present the case of an 85-year-old nursing home resident who presented to our institution with a 3-day history of gradually worsening abdominal discomfort.
A new species of the family Heterolatzeliidae from the Balkan Peninsula (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida)
Authors: ANTIĆ DRAGAN Ž. , TOMIĆ VLADIMIR T. , RAĐA TONĆI , LUČIĆ LUKA R. , DUDIĆ BORIS D. , MAKAROV SLOBODAN E.
Published: January 2015

A new species of Heterolatzelia Verhoeff, 1897, H. karlstrasseri sp. n., is described from the Đatlo Cave in east Herzegovina. A brief discussion about the relationship between H. karlstrasseri sp. n. and H. durmitorensis Gulička, 1968 and a distribution map of the family Heterolatzeliidae are presented.
New records and new species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) developing on Chenopodiaceae in Egypt
Authors: ELSAYED AYMAN KHAMIS , SKUHRAVÁ MARCELA , KARAM HEDAYA HAMZA , ELMINSHAWY ABDELAZIZ , AL-ERYAN MOHAMED AWAD
Published: January 2015

The Cecidomyiidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) fauna of Egypt is poorly known. Investigations in northern Egypt in 2013 revealed the presence of seven species of gall midges on three host plant species: Atriplex halimus L., Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) and Suaeda pruniosa Lange (all Chenopodiaceae). Among the gall midges, Baldratia salicorniae  Kieffer and Stefaniella trinacriae De Stefani are reconfirmed records in Egypt; Houardiella gracilis Dorchin & Freidberg and Asphondylia punica Marchal are new records; and Baldratia karamae Elsayed & Skuhraván. sp. , Primofavilla aegyptiaca Elsayed n. sp. and Stefaniella skuhravae Elsayed n. sp. are new to science. Adult morphology of the latter three new species is described and illustrated, and their biology and geographic distribution are given.
The Distinctive World of Mercersburg Theology: Yearning for God or Relief From Sin?
Authors: Barrett Lee C.
Published: January 2015

The controversial Mercersburg Theology that developed after 1840 was accused of being heterodox by many Reformed leaders in regard to a number of specific doctrines, particularly ecclesiology and sacramentology. Accusations of crypto-Catholicism became common. These particular debates were actually surface manifestations of a much deeper tension. The religious world of such Mercersburg theologians as John Nevin did not resemble the spiritual universe of many of his contemporary Reformed brothers and sisters. Nevin’s world was governed by a deep discontent with finitude and a yearning for union with the eternal. The religious world of his critics, such as Charles Hodge, was informed by anxiety about retributive justice and a desire for moral reformation. Nevin’s piety was directed toward the cosmic reconciliation of all dichotomies, while Hodge’s was oriented toward the restoration of the proper relationship of obedience to and adoration of a transcendent God. Nevin consistently sought to overcome the juxtaposition of the finite and the infinite, and Hodge struggled to maintain their distinction. Nevin hungered for union with God, theosis, while Hodge hoped for forgiveness and reinvigorated discipleship.
Philip Schaff: The Flow of Church History and the Development of Protestantism
Authors: Bains David R. , Louis Trost Theodore
Published: January 2015

Arriving from Germany in 1844, Philip Schaff used his inaugural lecture as professor at the theological seminary in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, to set forth his understanding of church history with particular reference to the role of Protestantism in the church’s ongoing development. A comprehensive, albeit fairly standard account from the point of view of German learning, Schaff’s address engendered surprise, admiration in some quarters, and cries of “heresy” in others. This essay expounds Schaff’s The Principle of Protestantism as the basis upon which he established himself as both a church historian and a progenitor of the Mercersburg movement. Drawing on responses to the address, it identifies the distance between Schaff’s conceptions and those of leading American Reformed theologians. It also makes preliminary suggestions concerning the enduring relevance of Schaff’s work for contemporary theology and theories of religion.
Is It ‘To Him’ or Is It ‘Not’? Intentional Variation between ‭ול‬ and ‭אל‬ in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Shepherd Michael B.
Published: January 2015

Textual variation between ‭ול‬ and ‭אל‬ occurs throughout the Hebrew Bible about thirty times. The initial impression might be that this is the result of unintentional scribal error, yet the vast majority of these occurrences of variation involve passages wherein both readings work equally well. It is also possible to determine in many cases the linear development from one reading to the other. The present article argues that the similar pronunciation of ‭ול‬ and ‭אל‬ became an occasion to introduce variant readings intentionally.
Structure, Redaction and Significance in the Prophecy of Obadiah
Authors: Assis Elie
Published: January 2015

This article argues that Obadiah consists of three oracles, each reflecting a different time period. The first oracle reflects the pre-destruction period and comprises criticism of Edomite pride. The second oracle conveys Judah's hostility to Edom, based on its participation in the destruction of 586 bce, whereas the third depicts a later period, marked by significant Edomite encroachment into southern Judah. This third oracle evokes the people's aspiration to reclaim their patriarchal lands. Though it is clear that the book's authorship was a three-phase process, the unity of the work is also unequivocal. The prophecy is recorded as one sequence and lacks opening and concluding formulae. Moreover, the rhetorical and theoretical application of the lex talionis principle characterizes all three oracles. In each of the oracles the prophet attributes to Edom a distinct transgression for which commensurate retribution is anticipated. This article asserts that the author revised his treatment of Edom in view of political changes that occurred. These modified political realities prompted new responses from the prophet, though they did not revoke the earlier oracles. This analysis embodies, perhaps, the advantage of diachronic analysis of the prophetic text alongside serious consideration of the synchronic view. The willingness to apply both methods facilitates, in this case, a more precise understanding of the text than that allowed by the exclusive application of just one.
Sakyadhita International: Gender Equity in Ultramodern Buddhism
Authors: Halafoff Anna , Rajkobal Praveena
Published: January 2015

The nexus between religion and violence has been widely debated in the public sphere at the turn of the twenty-first century. Much of these discourses have centered on direct violence, and on terrorism in particular. Yet, structural violence also remains endemic within many religious traditions, including Buddhism. Buddhist women, and men, continue to challenge these gender inequalities in various ways, notably Sakyadita, the International Association of Buddhist Women founded in 1987, is committed to improving conditions for Buddhist women worldwide. This article investigates how Sakyadhita is promoting gender equity in global Buddhism. It explores Sakyadhita’s origin, and focuses on the 13th Sakyadhita Conference, to examine the role of religious social movements in advancing gender parity. It also proposes an innovative ultramodern Buddhism framework for understanding contemporary global Buddhism, building on existing Buddhist studies, critical feminist and sociological theories. While focused on a Buddhist women’s social movement, this article provides new knowledge that may assist diverse religious communities in addressing gender disparities both locally and internationally.
Religion and Gender in the Post-secular State: Accommodation or Discrimination?
Authors: McPhillips Kathleen
Published: January 2015

This paper considers the relationship between women, religion and the Australian state via an examination of federal anti-discrimination law. Much of the social research into religion-state relations over the last ten years, particularly with the rise of neo-liberalism, demonstrates that religious groups and ideas are actively involved in public debate, policy formation and implementation. While this has been examined by some scholars in social policy, particularly education, there has been little research on the relationship between women’s rights and post-secular politics. This essay will address this gap by firstly locating women’s rights in the context of global forms of neo-liberalism and specifically by examining Australian federal anti-discrimination legislation, which seeks to protect religious freedom by allowing religious groups general exemption from adhering to non-discriminatory employment and training protocols. It is argued via evidence, that such exemptions are premised on the treatment of women as other to masculine norms.
Matter, Freedom and the Future: Reframing Feminist Theologies through an Ecological Materialist Lens1
Authors: Elvey Anne
Published: January 2015

An ecological focus is not simply an additional perspective to add to a multidimensional approach to feminist theologies. Ecological thinking requires a fundamental shift of perspective, so that the focus of feminism, traditionally a human focus, is rethought within the frame of the materiality that constitutes not only humans but Earth and cosmos. As a way of situating feminist theological discourses and experiences ecologically, this article focuses on a shared materiality as a basis for reframing human being, dwelling, agency and labour, in terms of co-being, habitat, co-agency and more-than-human labour. This reframing implies a rethinking of human freedom that has implications for how we engage with feminist theologies in relation to the future of Earth and humankind.
In Memory of Her! Exploring the Political Power of Readings—Feminist and Ecological
Authors: Wainwright Elaine M.
Published: January 2015

Over the last 30 years or more the feminist and ecological movements have contributed significantly to two major shifts in the human social imaginary. These shifts have lead to new ways of reading/interpreting classical texts, and in this instance, biblical texts. This article addresses the political function of readings which have attended to gender, power and a range of multiplicative vectors over the recent decades of feminist interpretation. The more recent shift in the social imaginary to what Lorraine Code calls ‘ecological thinking’ has called for a move beyond anthropocentrism. Such a shift requires new ways of reading. This article concludes with a reading of Mt. 26.6–13 from an ecological perspective taking account of the materiality and sociality encoded in the text.
Spells of the sacred in a global age
Authors: Wydra Harald
Published: January 2015

This article argues that quests for sacrality are creative forces in the formation of collective identities in the global age. Shifting the vantage point towards extraordinary politics of liminal globality, the first part captures borderline experiences where political reality is broken and markers of certainty dissolve. Taking the lead from mimetic theory, the second part looks at the ambivalent sources of the sacred. Symbols of peace, reconciliation and order originate in violence. The third part illustrates varieties of the global sacred by looking at the democratic imagination and the politics of humanitarian reason. Finally, the constitutive role of the sacred is examined for the background of cultural frames and with a view to the unconscious and non-agentive drivers of global processes. Rather than a fundamentalist remainder in a secular world or a foundational principle, the sacred is a transitional and processual reality that performs a hinge function that balances the fragility of political reality.
The mimetic politics of lone-wolf terrorism
Authors: Brighi Elisabetta
Published: January 2015

Written at a time of crisis in the project of social and political modernity, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 1864 novel Notes from Underground offers an intriguing parallel for the twenty-first century lone-wolf; it portrays an abject, outcast, spiteful unnamed anti-hero boiling with rage, bitter with resentment and on the verge of radicalisation. A Girardian reading of the poetic truths contained in Dostoevsky’s work is able to provide important keys to explain the contemporary transformation from ‘fourth-wave’ religious terrorism to ‘fifth-wave’ lone-wolf terrorism. Such a reading argues that it is mimetic rivalry – rather than much-trumpeted forms of religious violence or cultural differences – that fuels the triangular relation between governments, terrorists and civilian victims at heart of terrorist acts. This approach is further able to blend social inquiry with an account of the individual, in fact anthropological, conditions of lone-wolf terrorism by tracing the globalisation of resentment and the individualisation of violence to the hyper-mimeticism characterising the globalisation of late modernity. Finally, a mimetic reading of ‘fifth-wave’ terrorism accounts for the turbulence of a global politics in which victimhood and scapegoating no longer have the ability to stabilise social order and warns against a future where violence proliferates and escalates unchecked.
Editorial: Old dog, new tricks: proangiogenic effect of adenosine via stimulation of thrombospondin-1 in macrophages
Authors: Szabo Csaba
Published: January 2015

Discussion on the proangiogenic mechanisms of adenosine, with special reference to its modulatory effect on thrombospondin-1.
General teams in psychiatry
Authors: Fear Christopher F.
Published: January 2015

The past three decades in the UK have seen a prolonged experiment in community mental healthcare that has attempted to address the problem of the disgorgement of institutional psychiatry into a poorly prepared community service. The effectiveness of new ‘functionalised’ service models is considered, together with a reminder of the fundamental components of community mental healthcare and a statement of the principles that should inform future service models.
Religion and spirituality in clinical practice
Authors: Cook Christopher C. H.
Published: January 2015

Spirituality and religion have assumed importance in psychiatric practice in recent years because of both a growing evidence base and the desire of patients that such matters should be better addressed as an aspect of their care. However, there has been controversy regarding interpretation of the evidence base and issues of good practice, notably about defining appropriate professional boundaries. A sensitive and patient-focused clinical enquiry is therefore needed to discover whether and how spiritual/religious concerns are important to patients and, if they are, how they might most appropriately be addressed in treatment. Many of the concerns of patients and professionals regarding spirituality overlap with the recovery agenda and so are easily addressed implicitly and without need to impose the language of spirituality or religion. However, for some patients, transcendent concerns that are not a part of this agenda are easily overlooked.
Drug and alcohol addiction: new pharmacotherapies
Authors: Luty Jason
Published: January 2015

Over the past decade, important research has been performed into the therapeutic use of dihydrocodeine, injectable opioids (diamorphine) and supervised disulfiram in addiction treatment. There have also been interesting developments regarding baclofen for alcohol problems and use of stimulants in adult Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, evidence for the effectiveness of medication to promote alcohol abstinence remains modest at best.
Human rights in psychiatric practice: an overview for clinicians
Authors: Kelly Brendan D.
Published: January 2015

Matters relating to human rights arise in almost every area of psychiatric practice. Although some statements of rights are non-binding declarations (e.g. the United Nations' Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care), others are legally binding (e.g. the European Convention on Human Rights) and actively shape national laws. Persons with mental illness commonly experience violations of rights, including their economic and social rights. Psychiatrists can promote human rights through high-quality, evidence-based clinical practice; patient-centred service management; social awareness and engagement; and international activism to enhance protection and promotion of the rights of people with mental illnesses at global level.
Léon Bonvin
Authors: Cavanaugh Raymond
Published: January 2015

Born in the outskirts of Paris in 1834, Léon Bonvin was the son of a
policeman and a seamstress. There were numerous siblings from multiple
marriages, and money was scarce. Léon's strongest bond was with his older
brother François. They shared a desire to draw and a precocious aesthetic
sensibility. Apprenticed to a printer in his adolescence, François would
give the younger Léon artistic advice for the remainder of his life.
Invited commentary on … Word use in first-person accounts of
schizophrenia
Authors: Jones Edgar
Published: January 2015

The use of pronouns and causal attributions in personal accounts has been
analysed to distinguish between schizophrenia and mood disorders. The
implications for both cognitive processing and the underlying pathology of
symptoms are explored. Context is identified as a key variable in the
analysis and interpretation of text.
Mechanisms Involved in Glucocorticoid Induction of Pituitary GH Expression During Embryonic Development
Authors: Ellestad Laura E. , Puckett Stefanie A. , Porter Tom E.
Published: January 2015

Glucocorticoid hormones are involved in functional differentiation of GH-producing somatotrophs. Glucocorticoid treatment prematurely induces GH expression in mammals and birds in a process requiring protein synthesis and Rat sarcoma (Ras) signaling. The objective of this study was to investigate mechanisms through which glucocorticoids initiate GH expression during embryogenesis, taking advantage of the unique properties of chicken embryos as a developmental model. We determined that stimulation of GH expression occurred through transcriptional activation of GH, rather than enhancement of mRNA stability, and this process requires histone deacetylase activity. Through pharmacological inhibition, we identified the ERK1/2 pathway as a likely downstream Ras effector necessary for glucocorticoid stimulation of GH. However, we also found that chronic activation of ERK1/2 activity with a constitutively active mutant or stimulatory ligand reduced initiation of GH expression by glucocorticoid treatment. Corticosterone treatment of cultured embryonic pituitary cells increased ERK1/2 activity in an apparent cyclical manner, with a rapid increase within 5 minutes, followed by a reduction to near-basal levels at 3 hours, and a subsequent increase again at 6 hours. Therefore, we conclude that ERK1/2 signaling must be strictly controlled for maximal glucocorticoid induction of GH to occur. These results are the first in any species to demonstrate that Ras- and ERK1/2-mediated transcriptional events requiring histone deacetylase activity are involved in glucocorticoid induction of pituitary GH during embryonic development. This report increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid recruitment of somatotrophs during embryogenesis and should provide insight into glucocorticoid-induced developmental changes in other tissues and cell types.
Peripheral Insulin Resistance and Impaired Insulin Signaling Contribute to Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Preterm Baboons
Authors: Blanco Cynthia L. , McGill-Vargas Lisa L. , Gastaldelli Amalia , Seidner Steven R. , McCurnin Donald C. , Leland Michelle M. , Anzueto Diana G. , Johnson Marney C. , Liang Hanyu , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Musi Nicolas
Published: January 2015

Premature infants develop hyperglycemia shortly after birth, increasing their morbidity and death. Surviving infants have increased incidence of diabetes as young adults. Our understanding of the biological basis for the insulin resistance of prematurity and developmental regulation of glucose production remains fragmentary. The objective of this study was to examine maturational differences in insulin sensitivity and the insulin-signaling pathway in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of 30 neonatal baboons using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Preterm baboons (67% gestation) had reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity shortly after birth (M value 12.5 ± 1.5 vs 21.8 ± 4.4 mg/kg · min in term baboons) and at 2 weeks of age (M value 12.8 ± 2.6 vs 16.3 ± 4.2, respectively). Insulin increased Akt phosphorylation, but these responses were significantly lower in preterm baboons during the first week of life (3.2-fold vs 9.8-fold). Preterm baboons had lower glucose transporter-1 protein content throughout the first 2 weeks of life (8%-12% of term). In preterm baboons, serum free fatty acids (FFAs) did not decrease in response to insulin, whereas FFAs decreased by greater than 80% in term baboons; the impaired suppression of FFAs in the preterm animals was paired with a decreased glucose transporter-4 protein content in adipose tissue. In conclusion, peripheral insulin resistance and impaired non-insulin-dependent glucose uptake play an important role in hyperglycemia of prematurity. Impaired insulin signaling (reduced Akt) contributes to the defect in insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Counterregulatory hormones are not major contributors.
How informative is the mouse for human gut microbiota research?
Authors: Nguyen Thi Loan Anh , Vieira-Silva Sara , Liston Adrian , Raes Jeroen
Published: January 2015

The microbiota of the human gut is gaining broad attention owing to its association with a wide range of diseases, ranging from metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity and type 2 diabetes) to autoimmune diseases (such as inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes), cancer and even neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism). Having been increasingly used in biomedical research, mice have become the model of choice for most studies in this emerging field. Mouse models allow perturbations in gut microbiota to be studied in a controlled experimental setup, and thus help in assessing causality of the complex host-microbiota interactions and in developing mechanistic hypotheses. However, pitfalls should be considered when translating gut microbiome research results from mouse models to humans. In this Special Article, we discuss the intrinsic similarities and differences that exist between the two systems, and compare the human and murine core gut microbiota based on a meta-analysis of currently available datasets. Finally, we discuss the external factors that influence the capability of mouse models to recapitulate the gut microbiota shifts associated with human diseases, and investigate which alternative model systems exist for gut microbiota research.
Reactions of a Stable Phosphinyl Radical with Stable Aminoxyl Radicals
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Hirakawa Fumiya , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: January 2015

Reaction of stable phosphinyl radical 1a with AZADO gave aminoxyphosphine 3 as the primary product by selective radical coupling at −40 °C. Compound 3 decomposed to phosphorane 4, silyl phosphinate 5, and aminophosphine 6 at room temperature. The molecular structures of 4–6 were determined by X-ray structural analysis. The homolytic N–O bond cleavage of 3 and the subsequent silyl migration of the resulting phosphinoyl radical 7 would be key steps in the reaction.
Efficient Matching under Distributional Constraints: Theory and Applications
Authors: Kamada Yuichiro , Kojima Fuhito
Published: January 2015

Many real matching markets are subject to distributional constraints. These constraints often take the form of restrictions on the numbers of agents on one side of the market matched to certain subsets on the other side. Real-life examples include restrictions on regions in medical matching, academic master's programs in graduate admission, and state-financed seats for college admission. Motivated by these markets, we study design of matching mechanisms under distributional constraints. We show that existing matching mechanisms suffer from inefficiency and instability, and propose a mechanism that is better in terms of efficiency, stability, and incentives while respecting the distributional constraints. (JEL C70, D61, D63)
Paying Attention or Paying Too Much in Medicare Part D
Authors: Ketcham Jonathan D. , Lucarelli Claudio , Powers Christopher A.
Published: January 2015

We study whether people became less likely to switch Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs) due to more options and more time in Part D. Panel data for a random 20 percent sample of enrollees from 2006–2010 show that 50 percent were not in their original PDPs by 2010. Individuals switched PDPs in response to higher costs of their status quo plans, saving them money. Contrary to choice overload, larger choice sets increased switching unless the additional plans were relatively expensive. Neither switching overall nor responsiveness to costs declined over time, and above-minimum spending in 2010 remained below the 2006 and 2007 levels. (JEL H51, I13, I18)
The Effect of the TseTse Fly on African Development
Authors: Alsan Marcella
Published: January 2015

The TseTse fly is unique to Africa and transmits a parasite harmful to humans and lethal to livestock. This paper tests the hypothesis that the TseTse reduced the ability of Africans to generate an agricultural surplus historically. Ethnic groups inhabiting TseTse-suitable areas were less likely to use domesticated animals and the plow, less likely to be politically centralized, and had a lower population density. These correlations are not found in the tropics outside of Africa, where the fly does not exist. The evidence suggests current economic performance is affected by the TseTse through the channel of pre colonial political centralization. (JEL I12, N57, O13, O17, Q12, Q16, Q18)