bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of c-kit in Common Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Kondi-Pafiti Agatha , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Gennatas Constantinos , Michalaki Vassiliki , Frangou-Plegmenou Matrona , Chatzipantelis Paschalis
Published: March 2018

Aims and background

c-kit (CD117) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase that acts as a type III receptor for mast cell growth factor. In recent years, the role of c-kit in the development of preinvasive and invasive breast carcinomas has been investigated. The aim of our study was to detect c-kit expression in the entire spectrum of common benign and malignant breast lesions in correlation with a well-studied myoepithelial or stem-cell like marker (p63).

Methods and study design

We evaluated 270 cases of benign and malignant breast lesions including fibrocystic disease, fibroadenoma, sclerosing adenosis, atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal/lobular carcinoma in situ, and ductal/lobular/mixed type carcinoma. C-kit staining was evaluated in the cytoplasm/cell membrane in epithelial and myoepithelial cells and p63 in the nuclei of myoepithelial cells.

Results

c-kit was highly expressed (85.3%) in benign lesions (fibrocystic disease, sclerosing adenosis, fibroadenoma), and p63 expression was 95.5% in the aforementioned lesions. c-kit distribution in preinvasive and invasive lesions was as follows: ductal/lobular carcinoma in-situ, 43%/35%; ductal/lobular carcinoma, 36%/39%; and mixed type carcinoma, 20%. c-kit was highly expressed in myofibroblast/fibroblast cells only in grade III ductal/lobular carcinomas. c-kit was totally absent in stromal cells in benign lesions and in situ carcinomas whereas expression was weak in grade I and II carcinomas.

Conclusions

Combined overexpression of c-kit and p63 is indicative of benign breast lesions. In contrast, there is reduced expression of c-kit in in situ and invasive breast carcinomas, with simultaneous overexpression in the stromal cells. This suggests that c-kit may play a role in breast cancer progression. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Platelet TGF-β1 deficiency decreases liver fibrosis in a mouse model of liver injury
Authors: Ghafoory Shahrouz , Varshney Rohan , Robison Tyler , Kouzbari Karim , Woolington Sean , Murphy Brennah , Xia Lijun , Ahamed Jasimuddin
Published: March 2018

Key Points

Fibrosis in the liver is a common cause of liver disease, partially mediated by platelet TGF-β1 as shown in a mouse model of liver injury. Depleting platelet TGF-β1 results in decreased liver fibrosis suggesting that blocking platelet TGF-β1 may ameliorate or prevent fibrosis.
Eplerenone attenuates pathological pulmonary vascular rather than right ventricular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Boehm Mario , Arnold Nadine , Braithwaite Adam , Pickworth Josephine , Lu Changwu , Novoyatleva Tatyana , Kiely David G. , Grimminger Friedrich , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Weissmann Norbert , Seeger Werner , Lawrie Allan , Schermuly Ralph T. , Kojonazarov Baktybek
Published: March 2018

Background

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone critically involved in arterial blood pressure regulation. Although pharmacological aldosterone antagonism reduces mortality and morbidity among patients with severe left-sided heart failure, the contribution of aldosterone to the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular (RV) heart failure is not fully understood.

Methods

The effects of Eplerenone (0.1% Inspra® mixed in chow) on pulmonary vascular and RV remodeling were evaluated in mice with pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by Sugen5416 injection with concomitant chronic hypoxia (SuHx) and in a second animal model with established RV dysfunction independent from lung remodeling through surgical pulmonary artery banding.

Results

Preventive Eplerenone administration attenuated the development of PH and pathological remodeling of pulmonary arterioles. Therapeutic aldosterone antagonism – starting when RV dysfunction was established - normalized mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression in the right ventricle without direct effects on either RV structure (Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, Fibrosis) or function (assessed by non-invasive echocardiography along with intra-cardiac pressure volume measurements), but significantly lowered systemic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that aldosterone antagonism with Eplerenone attenuates pulmonary vascular rather than RV remodeling in PAH.
Systematic review of ototoxic pre-surgical antiseptic preparations – what is the evidence?
Authors: Singh Shubhi , Blakley Brian
Published: March 2018

Objective

There is uncertainty regarding the safety of surgical antiseptic preparations in the ear. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the evidence regarding ototoxicity of surgical antiseptic preparations.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the PRISMA methods. Key words included “ototoxicity” “hearing loss”, “antiseptic”, “surgical preparation”, “tympanoplasty”, “vestibular dysfunction”, “chlorhexidine”, “iodine”, “povidone”, “ethanol”, and “hydrogen peroxide” using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. We included peer-reviewed papers that 1) objectively measured ototoxicity in humans or animals through hearing, vestibular function or histologic examination, 2) studied topically applied surgical antiseptic preparations, 3) were either in English or had an English abstract. We excluded papers that were 1) in vitro studies, 2) ear trauma studies, 3) studies of ototoxic ear drops intended for therapy, or 4) case reports. Studies included in the final review were screened using the PRISMA method. Current systematic review registration number pending: 83,675.

Results

Fifty-six papers were identified as using PRISMA criteria. After applying our exclusion criteria, 13 papers met overall study criteria. Of these, six papers reported ototoxicity of iodine based solutions, five papers reported ototoxicity of chlorhexidine and ethanol and two papers assessed hydrogen peroxide. All papers reviewed were animal studies. Iodine based solutions show least harm overall, while chlorhexidine and high concentrations of alcohol based solutions showed most harm. The evidence on hydrogen based solutions was inconclusive.

Conclusions

The overall evidence for anyone antiseptic solution is weak. There is some evidence that iodine, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol based antiseptics have ototoxicity. Conclusive evidence for human ototoxicity from any solution is not strong.
Re-birthed fashion handbags as a collaborative design project
Authors: Lee Yoon Kyung , DeLong Marilyn
Published: March 2018

The term ‘re-birth’ refers to the redesign of stock items originally released through the distribution route for sale to consumers but returned to headquarters as unsold stock. As a sustainable fashion practice, products are analysed and redeveloped by designers for resale as new products. During this 4-month project, a South Korean handbag company partnered with senior apparel design students in Seoul to execute a re-birth collaboration for fashion handbags. This study addresses some of the issues that arose in the process of interpretation and application of this re-birth exercise, including the relationship between the university and company, the roles of the student designer and company design team, characteristics of the product selected, and the communication required to implement the project. The concept of re-birth was introduced to the students, followed by a collaborative design exercise. Finally, 2 of the 50 re-birth designs were selected by company designers and altered for resale.
Vitamin D3 suppresses the early stages of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats: a dose-response analysis
Authors: Tablas Mariana B. , Goto Renata L. , Caetano Brunno F. R. , dos Santos Sérgio A. A. , Barbisan Luis F.
Published: March 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate dose-response effects of vitamin D3 (VD3) supplementation on the early stages of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Methods

The animals were randomly allocated into six experimental groups (10 rats each) treated as follows: group 1: no treatment; groups 2–6: single intraperitoneal injection of N-diethylnitrosamine; groups 2–6: intragastric CCl4; groups 3–6: intragastric VD3 at 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, and 60,000 IU/kg b.w., respectively.

Results

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in the VD3-supplemented groups were significantly higher than those in the control groups (G1 and G2, p < 0.001). Serum levels of phosphate were higher in the groups supplemented with VD3 at 10,000 and 60,000 IU/kg (G3 and G6, p < 0.005). VD3 higher doses reduced cell proliferation and the number of larger placental glutathione S-transferase (GST-P)-positive hepatocellular preneoplastic lesions. Neither the DEN/CCl4 regimen nor the VD3 supplementation altered vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein expression in the liver.

Conclusion

The results indicate that high-dose VD3 supplementation reduced the development of DEN/CCl4-induced preneoplastic lesions in the liver.
Helping Practitioners and Researchers Identify and Use Education Research Literature
Authors: Wilson Kristy J. , Brame Cynthia J.
Published: March 2018

Evidence-based teaching practices are being encouraged to increase student skills and understanding in the sciences. Finding, interpreting, and applying education literature to a specific context are barriers to adopting these evidence-based practices. Here, we introduce a new feature, Evidence-Based Teaching Guides. This feature identifies literature associated with specific pedagogies, which we distill to practical recommendations for teaching. The goals of the feature are: to provide instructors with tools to make research-supported choices to implement the pedagogy in question, to articulate the reasons for their choices, and to develop increased awareness of biology education research. We think these guides may also be useful for biology education researchers in identifying critical components, adaptations, and contextual features that could be investigated for a given pedagogy. Each guide consists of a website with a visual map of instructional choices associated with the topic and linked pages that summarize findings from the literature and provide additional links to and summaries of key articles. Each guide will include an instructor checklist of recommendations consolidated from the entire guide in order to provide instructors with a snapshot of instructional choices and actionable advice.
Psychodynamic approaches to violence
Authors: Yakeley Jessica
Published: March 2018

The assessment and management of violent behaviour in mentally disordered patients are no longer the sole domain of forensic psychiatrists, but are increasingly part of the day-to-day work of all psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Violence risk assessment has become a huge industry, and although the importance of dynamic, as well as actuarial, risk factors is now recognised, a more systematic approach exploring the psychodynamics in the aetiology, assessment and treatment of violent behaviour is often lacking. In this article I revisit some of the key psychodynamic principles and concepts relevant to an understanding of violence, summarising the historical contributions of key psychoanalytic writers on violence and aggression, and exploring the ideas of more contemporary writers working in the field of forensic psychotherapy. A psychodynamic framework for working with violent patients is introduced, focusing on the setting and containment, specific therapeutic interventions and monitoring countertransference reactions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Understand historical and contemporary psychoanalytic theories of the aetiology of aggression and violence

•

Utilise a psychodynamic framework for working with violent patients and offenders

•

Understand the use of countertransference in the risk assessment and treatment of violence

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
IKZF1plusDefines a New Minimal Residual Disease–Dependent Very-Poor Prognostic Profile in Pediatric B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Stanulla Martin , Dagdan Elif , Zaliova Marketa , Möricke Anja , Palmi Chiara , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Eckert Cornelia , te Kronnie Geertruy , Bourquin Jean-Pierre , Bornhauser Beat , Koehler Rolf , Bartram Claus R. , Ludwig Wolf-Dieter , Bleckmann Kirsten , Groeneveld-Krentz Stefanie , Schewe Denis , Junk Stefanie V. , Hinze Laura , Klein Norman , Kratz Christian P. , Biondi Andrea , Borkhardt Arndt , Kulozik Andreas , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Basso Giuseppe , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Izraeli Shai , Petersen Britt-Sabina , Franke Andre , Dörge Petra , Steinemann Doris , Haas Oskar A. , Panzer-Grümayer Renate , Cavé Hélène , Houlston Richard S. , Cario Gunnar , Schrappe Martin , Zimmermann Martin ,   for the TRANSCALL Consortium,   the International BFM Study Group
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Somatic deletions that affect the lymphoid transcription factor–coding gene IKZF1 have previously been reported as independently associated with a poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We have now refined the prognostic strength of IKZF1 deletions by analyzing the effect of co-occurring deletions.

Patients and Methods

The analysis involved 991 patients with BCP ALL treated in the Associazione Italiana Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica–Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (AIEOP-BFM) ALL 2000 trial with complete information for copy number alterations of IKZF1, PAX5, ETV6, RB1, BTG1, EBF1, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, Xp22.33/Yp11.31 (PAR1 region; CRLF2, CSF2RA, and IL3RA), and ERG; replication of findings involved 417 patients from the same trial.

Results

IKZF1 deletions that co-occurred with deletions in CDKN2A, CDKN2B, PAX5, or PAR1 in the absence of ERG deletion conferred the worst outcome and, consequently, were grouped as IKZF1plus. The IKZF1plusgroup comprised 6% of patients with BCP ALL, with a 5-year event-free survival of 53 ± 6% compared with 79 ± 5% in patients with IKZF1 deletion who did not fulfill the IKZF1plusdefinition and 87 ± 1% in patients who lacked an IKZF1 deletion ( P ≤ .001). Respective 5-year cumulative relapse incidence rates were 44 ± 6%, 11 ± 4%, and 10 ± 1% ( P ≤ .001). Results were confirmed in the replication cohort, and multivariable analyses demonstrated independence of IKZF1plus. The IKZF1plusprognostic effect differed dramatically in analyses stratified by minimal residual disease (MRD) levels after induction treatment: 5-year event-free survival for MRD standard-risk IKZF1pluspatients was 94 ± 5% versus 40 ± 10% in MRD intermediate- and 30 ± 14% in high-risk IKZF1pluspatients ( P ≤ .001). Corresponding 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse rates were 6 ± 6%, 60 ± 10%, and 60 ± 17% ( P ≤ .001).

Conclusion

IKZF1plusdescribes a new MRD-dependent very-poor prognostic profile in BCP ALL. Because current AIEOP-BFM treatment is largely ineffective for MRD-positive IKZF1pluspatients, new experimental treatment approaches will be evaluated in our upcoming trial AIEOP-BFM ALL 2017.
Multiparametric MR imaging of peripheral zone prostate cancer: effect of postbiopsy hemorrhage on cancer detection according to Gleason score and tumour volume
Authors: Jung Sung Il , Jeon Hae Jeong , Park Hee Sun , Yu Mi Hye , Kim Young Jun , Lee Seung Eun , Lim So Dug
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To evaluate effect of postbiopsy hemorrhage on detection of peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancer by multiparametric MR imaging according to Gleason score and tumor volume.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 54 biopsy-proven prostate cancer patients (median age, 67.0 years) who underwent multiparametric MR imaging. Two independent readers evaluated each sextant of the PZ using the PI-RADS v2. One reader recorded the presence or absence of hemorrhage per sextant on T  1 weighted MR images. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to evaluate cancer detection accuracy.

Results:

Postbiopsy hemorrhage was noted in 122 (37.7%) of 324 sextants of all patients. There was no significant difference in the AUC for detection of cancer with Gleason score ≥3 + 4 or volume ≥0.5 ml between sextants with and without hemorrhage (with hemorrhage, reader 1, 0.83 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.84 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; reader 2, 0.74 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.77 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; without hemorrhage, reader 1, 0.86 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.88 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; reader 2, 0.79 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.83 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; p > 0.2 for all).

Conclusion:

Postbiopsy hemorrhage did not negatively affect the detection of clinically significant PZ prostate cancer on multiparametric MR imaging.

Advances in knowledge:

Under influence of postbiopsy hemorrhage, multiparametric MR can be useful for the detection of clinically significant PZ prostate cancer.
Kulturwissenschaftliche Ansätze am Beispiel der griechischen Germanistik
Authors: BLIOUMI AGLAIA
Published: March 2018

Der Themenschwerpunkt des Bandes fördert geradezu auf, die Gegenüberstellung zwischen Inlands- und Auslandsgermanistik zu sichten und dabei auf den Zusammenhang zwischen Theorie und Praxis einzugehen, bzw. neuere Entwicklungen, wie jener kulturwissenschaftlichen Lehre, unter die Lupe zu nehmen. Zweifelsohne gilt die Hauptunterscheidung der Tatsache, dass im Rahmen der Inlandsgermanistik der Erwerb der Muttersprache und entsprechende kulturelle Kontexte bereits vorausgesetzt werden können, in der Auslandsgermanistik dagegen muss die Fremdsprache auch während des Studiums weiter gepflegt werden, was sich auf Gegenstände und Interessen im Bereich der Lehre und der Forschung niederschlägt. Dies ist jedoch in vielen Fällen eine große Herausforderung für die Lehrkörper der Auslandsgermanistik, da über die Vermittlung der Lehrinhalte hinaus, die Kluft zwischen akademischem Gegenstand und Fremdsprache geschlossen werden muss. Die Herausforderung aber gilt ebenso der Innovation, da nicht selten  Methoden und Ansätze aus den Auslandsgermanistiken impulsgebend für die germanistische Hochschullandschaft gewesen sind. Im Rahmen der Hochschullehre hat sich der in der Inlandsgermanistik nicht existierende Gegenstandsbereich der ‚Landeskunde’ in eine ‚interkulturell orientierte Landeskunde’ oder, gänzlich vom Spracherwerb abgegrenzt, in eine kulturwissenschaftliche Lehre umgewandelt. Somit wird einer statischen Faktenvermittlung in Bezug auf ‚deutsche Kultur’  entgegengesteuert und das kommunizierende Subjekt in den Mittelpunkt gestellt, wobei die Kompetenz zur “negotiation of meaning across cultures” ein wichtiges Ziel der Lehre ausmacht. Gerade im Rahmen einer ‚interkulturell orientierten Landeskunde’ sollen die Studierenden eigenkulturelle Verhaltensweisen relativieren, fremdkulturelle Denkansätze erkennen und die Fähigkeit zwischen der eigenen und der fremden Kultur kommunikativ zu vermitteln, entwickeln.
Die deutsche Sprache im albanischen Hochschulbereich und ihre Zukunftsperspektiven
Authors: KADZADEJ BRIKENA
Published: March 2018

In diesem Beitrag wird der Versuch unternommen, sich mit der Entwicklung der deutschen Sprache im albanischen Hochschulbereich, ihren Problemen, Tendenzen und Perspektiven auseinanderzusetzen. Zunächst soll ein allgemeiner geschichtlicher Überblick zur Situation der deutschen Sprache vor der Wende (bis 1990) bis zur Gegenwart gegeben werden. Obwohl das kleine Land Albanien 50 Jahre lang ein weißer Fleck in Europa war, hat der Sprachenerwerb hier eine relativ lange Tradition. Schon in den 20er und 30er Jahren fängt das Interesse an dem deutschsprachigen Raum undan dem Deutschen an. In den 70er und 80er Jahren unterlag die gesamte Fremdsprachenausbildung der „staatlichen und politischen Planung“.Zu Beginn der 90er Jahre öffnete sich Albanien dem Westen. Mit der Notwendigkeit zu kooperieren und sich in die europäische Nachbarschaft zu integrieren, erhielten die Fremdsprachen einen neuen Stellenwert. Das Interesse der Albaner stieg besonders für die Sprachen, die bisher nicht gelernt werden konnten, insbesondere für das Italienische (wegen der geographischen Nähe) und für das Deutsche.Im Jahre 1992 wurde Deutsch als Studienfach an der Fremdsprachenfakultät (vormals Fakultät für Philologie und Geschichte) in Tirana eingeführt. Erst nach der Wende wurde die erste Germanistikabteilung in Tirana eröffnet und nach deren Vorbild wurden Deutschabteilungen auch in Elbasan, Shkodra und Korca etabliert. Im akademischen Schuljahr 2004/2005 wurde der Bologna-Prozess zunächst an den albanischen Universitäten umgesetzt, was für neue Entwicklungen des Deutschen im albanischen Hochschulbereich sorgte.Im Jahre 2016 wurde das Gesetz für die neue Hochschulreform von dem albanischen Parlament verabschiedet, das nicht nur mit neuen Einstellungen im Bildungswesen und  Änderungen in der Organisationsstruktur der Hochschulen verbunden ist, sondern auch zu großen Diskussionen im Hochschulbereich führte.Es wird in diesem Beitrag auf das Profil des Lehrkörpers, die Zulassungsvoraussetzungen für das Hochschulstudium und Studiengangprofile und Abschlüsse eingegangen. Abschließend werden die Probleme und die Perspektiven der deutschen Sprache im albanischen Hochschulbereich in all deren Zusammenhängen dargestellt.
Die deutsche Sprache im Hochschulraum Bulgariens heute und morgen
Authors: KAMBUROVA-MILANOVA IVANKA
Published: March 2018

Im folgenden Artikel geht es um die gegenwärtige Situation des Erwerbs der deutschen Sprache im bulgarischen Tertiärbereich, nachdem die Richtlinien gemäß des Bologna-Prozesses Anwendung gefunden haben. Eingegangen wird auf die Struktur der philologischen und die nach der deutschen Sprache ausgerichtete Bildung, den Unterschieden in den Curricula und den Studienprogrammen, als auch auf die Zukunft der deutschen Sprache im Hochschulbereich. Das Profil der Studenten und der Lehrkörper, Forschungsbereich und akademische Weiterentwicklung werden analysiert. Schließlich wird der Versuch unternommen, Probleme zu eruieren und Vorschläge zu machen, um die sogenannten „best practices“ im Hochschulbereich Bulgariens entsprechend zu implementieren.
Mortality, fertility, and economic development: An analysis of 201 countries from 1960 to 2015
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Tsui Amy O. , Liu Li , Ahmed Saifuddin
Published: March 2018

Background: The efficient utilization of the economic opportunities effected by rapid reductions in fertility and mortality is known as the demographic dividend. In this paper, our objectives are to (1) estimate the contribution of fertility and mortality decline during the period 1960-2015 to demographic dividend due to change in age structure, and (2) assess the economic consequences of population age structure change.

Methods: Employing the cohort component method, we performed population projections with different scenarios of changes in mortality and fertility between 1960 and 2015 in 201 countries. We specifically focused on low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Northern Africa, and sub-Sahara Africa (SSA)

Results: The child dependency ratio, defined as the number of children (0-14 years) per 100 working age population (15-64 years), would be 54 higher than the observed level in 2015 in both Asia and LAC, had fertility not declined. That means that every 100 working age population would need to support an additional 54 children. Due to the less substantial fertility decline, child dependency ratio would only be 16 higher if there were no fertility decline in SSA. Global GDP (constant 2011 international $) would be $19,016 billion less than the actual level in 2015 had the fertility decline during 1960-2015 not occurred, while the respective regional decreases are $12,390 billion in Asia, $1,985 billion in LAC, $484 billion in Northern Africa, and $321 billion in SSA.

Conclusions: SSA countries may accelerate the catch-up process in reducing fertility by investing more in family planning programs. This will lead to a more favorable dependency ratio and consequently facilitate a demographic dividend opportunity in SSA, which, if properly utilized, will spur economic development for the coming decades.
Classification and characterisation of brain network changes in chronic back pain: A multicenter study
Authors: Mano Hiroaki , Kotecha Gopal , Leibnitz Kenji , Matsubara Takashi , Nakae Aya , Shenker Nicholas , Shibata Masahiko , Voon Valerie , Yoshida Wako , Lee Michael , Yanagida Toshio , Kawato Mitsuo , Rosa Maria Joao , Seymour Ben
Published: March 2018

Background. Chronic pain is a common, often disabling condition thought to involve a combination of peripheral and central neurobiological factors. However, the extent and nature of changes in the brain is poorly understood.

Methods. We investigated brain network architecture using resting-state fMRI data in chronic back pain patients in the UK and Japan (41 patients, 56 controls), as well as open data from USA. We applied machine learning and deep learning (conditional variational autoencoder architecture) methods to explore classification of patients/controls based on network connectivity. We then studied the network topology of the data, and developed a multislice modularity method to look for consensus evidence of modular reorganisation in chronic back pain.

Results. Machine learning and deep learning allowed reliable classification of patients in a third, independent open data set with an accuracy of 63%, with 68% in cross validation of all data. We identified robust evidence of network hub disruption in chronic pain, most consistently with respect to clustering coefficient and betweenness centrality. We found a consensus pattern of modular reorganisation involving extensive, bilateral regions of sensorimotor cortex, and characterised primarily by negative reorganisation - a tendency for sensorimotor cortex nodes to be less inclined to form pairwise modular links with other brain nodes. In contrast, intraparietal sulcus displayed a propensity towards positive modular reorganisation, suggesting that it might have a role in forming modules associated with the chronic pain state.

Conclusion. The results provide evidence of consistent and characteristic brain network changes in chronic pain, characterised primarily by extensive reorganisation of the network architecture of the sensorimotor cortex.
oldRussian art
Authors: Черный Валентин , Chernyy Valentin
Published: March 2018

The ancient period in the history of Russian art spans more than nine centuries and is the basis of national artistic culture. The character of a Russian medieval art was determined by local cultural and historical conditions and stable relations with the countries of the Christian world. Each stage of development of ancient art left a number of original works reflecting the peculiarities of the artistic process. Many of them were created by prominent artists and received worldwide recognition.
Economic Estimation of the Available Biomass following Logging Operations in Western Oregon and Washington
Authors: Zamora-Cristales Rene , Boston Kevin , Long Justin , Sessions John
Published: March 2018

A two-step method was developed to estimate the economically available biomass from forest operations in the Pacific Northwest. Step 1 measures the amount of biomass in piles from a variety of logging operations. Step 2 applies logistics models to determine the amount of biomass that is recoverable by computing the extraction costs depending on the distance from the landing. Cable units included only the biomass piles located at the landings, while ground-based units computed the collection and transport of each pile to the most cost-effective landing using geographic information system and simulation tools. This approach was applied to operations on state and private timberlands in Oregon and Washington. For the cable logging units, the average pile size was 46.7 green tonnes of residue, and this material was either on or next to the roadside landing. It produced few large piles with an average of 24.75 green tonnes per ha. For ground-based operations, approximately 54 percent of the residue in the harvest units was 90 m or less from the landing. Collection cost increases as the material is farther from the landing and ranged between about $17.6 per green tonne at distances of 15.2 m to $37 per green tonne at distances of 213 m from the landing. Depending on the distance from the landing to the bioenergy facility, it is possible to estimate how far from the landing into the forest to reach to economically collect the biomass.
Winter pressures that last all year
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: March 2018

We need solutions to seasonal disorder at a permanent national level.
The growth of online surgical education
Authors: Court Stephen
Published: March 2018

Can it ever be a substitute for hands-on experience?
Teorías de doble proceso: ¿una arquitectura cognitiva unificada?
Authors: Destefano Mariela , Velázquez Coccia Fernanda
Published: March 2018

En ciencia cognitiva se han propuesto teorías de doble proceso para explicar competencias como razonamiento y toma de decisiones. Machery (2009) distingue entre arquitectura cognitiva unificada, según la cual a una competencia le subyace solamente un tipo de proceso y arquitectura de múltiples procesos, según la cual a una competencia le subyacen al menos dos tipos de procesos. Basándonos en esta distinción, intentaremos mostrar que si se explicitan y se analizan los criterios de coordinación entre procesos, las teorías de doble proceso articuladas para el razonamiento y la toma de decisiones parecerían ofrecer más bien una arquitectura unificada y no de múltiples procesos.
Crianças em acolhimento residencial: Conteúdo temático das suas narrativas de vida
Authors: Teixeira Diana Neves , Silva Sara Ramos , Henriques Margarida Rangel
Published: March 2018

A narrativa é a forma privilegiada pelo ser humano para organizar a sua vida (Bruner, 2002), dando sentido a uma experiência que de outra forma seria caótica (Gonçalves, Korman & Angus, 2000). Entre o final da infância e início da adolescência surge a importância de construir sentido para a sua história de vida de forma a construir coerência pessoal (Pasupathi, Mansour & Brubaker, 2007). As crianças a viver em acolhimento residencial veem nesta tarefa o desafio adicional de construírem sentido em percursos de adversidade precoce, pautados por traumas e ruturas. Assim afigura-se pertinente estudar a forma como estas organizam as suas narrativas, nomeadamente os temas que incluem. A amostra foi constituída por 16 participantes com idades compreendidas entre os 7 e os 12 anos de idade (M=9.19; DP=1.68), em situação de acolhimento residencial. Foi realizada a Entrevista de Narrativa de Vida com Crianças (Henriques, Ribeiro & Saraiva, 2009), para a recolha das histórias. A análise temática das narrativas de vida permitiu identificar 27 temas, que se destacaram pela frequência com que surgiram no discurso das crianças. As narrativas apresentam uma multiplicidade temática, incluindo acontecimentos de vida normativos e, também, acontecimentos relacionados com a especificidade do seu percurso, remetendo para competência narrativa globalmente funcional. O conteúdo temático diversificado das narrativas salienta, ainda, a importância de se criarem espaços de conversação com as crianças em acolhimento residencial sem limitação de temas.
“God’s Acting upon the World” – A Meta-metaphysical Perspective
Authors: Schneider Christina
Published: March 2018

There may be good theological reasons for adopting one or the other of the two “God-world”-relations: “God’s acting upon the world” vs. “God’s not acting upon the world”, from a philosophical/metaphysical point of view, these options pose a “decision-problem”. The article is in search for metaphysical criteria that support any decision on behalf of “God’s acting vs. His not acting upon the world”. In this, it is meta-metaphysical in character.
Analytic Theology as Declarative Theology
Authors: Arcadi James M.
Published: March 2018

Analytic theology seeks to utilize conceptual tools and resources from contemporary analytic philosophy for ends that are properly theological. As a theological methodology relatively new movement in the academic world, this novelty might render it illegitimate. However, I argue that there is much in the recent analytic theological literature that can find a methodological antecedent championed in the fourteenth century known as declarative theology. In distinction from deductive theology—which seeks to extend the conclusions of theology beyond the articles of faith—declarative theology strives to make arguments for the articles of faith. It does it not to provoke epistemic assent to the truth of the articles, but serves as a means of faith seeking understanding. In this paper, examples are drawn from recent analytic discussions to illustrate the manner that analytic theology has been, is, and can be an instance of declarative theology, and thus a legitimate theological enterprise for today.
Violence against women in women’s perception; an examination of women’s shelters in Turkey
Kadın algısında kadına yönelik şiddet; Türkiye’de kadın sığınma evleri üzerine bir inceleme
Authors: Ayan Sezer
Published: March 2018

Aim. To determine if there is a correlation between women’s traditional views about marriage and the family (TBAMAK), patriarchal beliefs about marriage (PBAM), and beliefs about wife beating (IBWB) and type and frequency of violence they are subjected to. Method. This study’s universe comprises of 64 women housed in Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policies’ women protection houses because of domestic violence. Findings. Data gathered during this study demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between having traditional beliefs about marriage and women being subjected to sexual violence. There is a direct correlation between having beliefs justifying wife beating (JUWB) and women being subjected to sexual violence. There is also an inverse correlation between having patriarchal beliefs about marriage and women being subjected to physical, economical, psychological violence and neglect. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between having traditional beliefs about family and marriage and frequency of being subjected to violence. Results. Data suggests that having traditional and patriarchal beliefs about family and marriage and having beliefs justifying wife beating are partially determinative about the type and frequency of violence women are subjected to. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetAmaç, Kadınların aile ve evlilik hakkında geleneksel (TBAMAF) ve ataerkil inançları (PBAM) ve kadın dövmeye ilişkin inançları (IBWB) ile uğradıkları şiddetin türü ve sıklığı arasında bir ilişki olup olmadığını belirlemektir. Yöntem. Çalışmanın evrenini, Türkiye’de Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar Bakanlığına bağlı kadın konuk evlerinde aile içinde şiddete maruz kalmaları nedeni ile koruma altına alınan 64 kadın oluşturmaktadır. Bulgular. Aile ve evlilik hakkında geleneksel inançlara ve kadın dövmeyi haklılaştırmaya ilişkin (JUWB) inaçlara sahip olma ile cinsel şiddete maruz kalma arasında doğrudan; evlilik hakkında ataerkil inançlara sahip olma ile cinsel şiddet hariç, fiziksel, ekonomik, psikolojik şiddete ve ihmale maruz kalma arasında ters yölü bir ilişki vardır. Öte yandan kadınların şiddete uğrama sıklığı ile sadece aile ve evlilik hakkında geleneksel inançları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç. Veriler, kadınların aile ve evlilik hakkında geleneksel ve ataerkil inançlara ve kadın dövmeye ilişkin inançlara sahip olmalarının maruz kaldıkları şiddetin türü ve sıklığı üzerinde kısmen belirleyici olduğunu göstermektedir.
Determinants of default in p2p lending: the Mexican case
Authors: Canfield Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2018

P2P lending is a new method of informal finance that uses the internet to directly connect borrowers with on-line communities. With a unique dataset provided by Prestadero, the largest on-line lending platform with national presence in Mexico, this research explores the effect of credit scores and other variables related to loan and borrower´s traits, in determining default behavior in P2P lending. Moreover, using a logistic regression model, it tested whether investors might benefit from screening loan applicants by gender after controlling for loan quality. The results showed that information provided by the platform is relevant for analyzing credit risk, yet not conclusive. In congruence with the literature, on a scale going from the safest to the riskiest, loan quality is positively associated with default behavior. Other determinants for increasing the odds of default are the payment-to-income ratio and refinancing on the same platform. On the contrary loan purpose and being a female applicant reduce such odds. No categorical evidence for differential default behavior was found for gender´s case-discrimination, under equal credit conditions. However it was found that controlling for loan quality, women have longer loan survival times than men. This is one of the first studies about debt crowdfunding in Latin America and Mexico. Implications for lenders, researchers and policy-makers are also discussed.
Detection of carbon monoxide emissions from urban solid waste in Serrinha dos Pintos/RN: study case
Authors: Aquino Adelmo Artur de , Silva Alex Armando da , Barros Adriano David Monteiro de , Sousa Júnior Almir Mariano de
Published: March 2018

O presente trabalho consiste principalmente na elaboração de um estudo de caso focado na detecção da emissão de monóxido de carbono (CO) causada pela incineração de resíduos sólidos urbanos do aterro público da cidade de Serrinha dos Pintos / RN, localizada em O semi-árido. O estudo visa analisar fatores possivelmente afetados pela emissão de gás tóxico, mas também fatores socioambientais, por exemplo. Assim, para uma análise significativa e coerente desses fatores a partir de resíduos sólidos urbanos, o estudo analisa as condições de trabalho encontradas nas questões ambientais, sociais e ambientais através de um questionário aplicado aos moradores da comunidade onde o aterro está localizado, Exposição ao monóxido de carbono. Assim, os resultados abrangem várias áreas que estão ligadas não só à emissão de CO,
Application of atomic absorption spectrometry with continuous light source to analyze selected metals important for human health in different parts of oranges
Authors: Szwerc Wojciech , Sowa Ireneusz
Published: March 2018

The publication describes the application of high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (H-R CS AAS) to determine some physiologically essential and toxic elements occurring in citrus fruits of different origins. Before analysis, the samples were mineralized using a mixture of deionized water and 69% nitric acid 3:1 (v/v) in high pressure microwave digestion at 188°C during one hour.

The obtained validation parameters for AAS such as high linearity (the correlation coefficient R > 0.997) and high precision expressed as relative standard deviation (%RSD) were satisfactory for quantification.

Cadmium at concentration range from 0.29 to 0.43 mg/kg was determined in all tested samples, however the obtained values did not exceed Polish standards. The higher concentration of potassium comparing to sodium and calcium was noted in each investigated samples. The highest variation was observed for calcium, its concentration strongly depended on the country of origin.
Application of low-level laser radiation with TiO2, Ag/TiO2 and S/TiO2 on Streptococcus salivarius isolated from the oral cavity
Authors: Panas Marta , Baryliyak Adriana , Korniychuk Olena
Published: March 2018

In our research, we determine the effect of low-level laser irradiation with nanoparticles on Streptococcus salivarius. Photodynamic killing of periodontopathogenic bacteria may be an alternative to the systemic application of antibacterial drugs used in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The application of photosensitizing nanoparticles and their excitation by visible light of blue spectra enables effective killing of periodontopathogens. This data combined with the results demonstrates that TiO2, AgTiO2 and S/TiO2 can inhibit the proliferation of Streptococcus salivarius due to its high photocatalytic activity, which irreversibly damages the cell walls and membranes.
Physical properties and caffeine release from creams prepared with different oils
Authors: Wojciechowska Katarzyna , Zun Maria , Dwornicka Dorota , Swiader Katarzyna , Kasperek Regina , Poleszak Ewa
Published: March 2018

Caffeine is a methylxanthine typically found in the Coffee Arabica L plant. Generally, caffeine is well-known as a orally administered mild stimulant of the central nervous system. However, for cosmetic purpose, caffeine is an active compound ingredient, at 7% concentration, in several anticellulite products. The efficiency of this mode of delivery is not fully understood. Hence, the aim of the study was to ascertain the effectiveness of particular carriers to release this ingredient. In so doing, we prepared six creams based upon different oils (Sesame oil, Rice oil, Walnut oil, Coconut oil, Sweet almond oil and Jojoba oil), containing 5% of caffeine, and compared the release of the substance from the obtained preparations. Initially, all of the creams were subjected to a variety of physical tests, among these being for slippage and spreadability. Furthermore, their rheological properties were evaluated. Subsequently, the creams were tested for caffeine release. In the slippage and spreadability tests, the coconut oil-based cream was revealed as having the best parameters. However, the rheological tests showed that all of the preparations had the pseudoplastic character of flowing according to the Ostwald de Waele power law model. The power low index (n) for all the preparations was from 0.2467-0.3179 at 20°C and 0.2821-0.3754 at 32°C. At 20°C, the Sesame oil-, Walnut oil-, Sweet almond oil- and Jojoba oil-based creams were thixotropic, but at 32°C, thixotropy appeared only in the Walnut oil-based creams.

The release studies, conducted by way of an extracting chamber (according to Polish Pharmacoeia IX) in the Paddle Apparatus (according to Polish Pharamcopoeia IX), showed that the amount of released caffeine is the largest in the case of Jojoba oil-based cream, at 85.23% ± 0.8% (SD), and the least in the case of Coconut oil-based cream, at 62,78%± 0.87% (SD).
The alteration in peripheral neutrophils of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yevgenyevna Muravlyova Larissa , Molotov-Luchankiy Vilen Borisovich , Yemelyevna Bakirova Ryszhan , Akylbekovna Turmukhambetova Anar , Anatolyevich Klyuyev Dmitriy , Andreevna Demidchik Ludmila , Alexandrovna Kolesnikova Yevgeniya
Published: March 2018

Recent findings have demonstrated the impaired functions of neutrophils of patients with chronic renal failure. The purpose of our research was to study oxidative modified proteins, as well as the histone spectrum in neutrophils drawn from patients with chronic kidney disease, and to estimate the ability of neutrophils to form spontaneous neutrophil extracellular traps. In this work, we have assumed that metabolic alteration in neutrophils may develop at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods: Neutrophils obtained from patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease and degrees of chronic renal failure were used. As control, blood samples obtained from 32 healthy individuals was employed. In the examined neutrophils, advanced oxidation protein products, protein reactive carbonyl derivatives, as well as nucleosomal histones were detected. The ability of neutrophils to form spontaneous neutrophil extracellular traps was estimated. Our results have demonstrated an increase of nucleosomal histones in neutrophils of all patients with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, our work fixes the rate of growth of intracellular advanced oxidation protein products and the decreasing of protein reactive carbonyl derivatives in neutrophils from patients with chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate the presence of the neutrophils with altered oxidative status and the decomposition of the histone spectrum in the circulation of patients with chronic kidney disease.
Psychological aspects of temporomandibular disorders – literature review
Authors: Berger Marcin , Oleszek-Listopad Justyna , Marczak Milena , Szymanska Jolanta
Published: March 2018

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) constitute a group of clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. An etiological connection of TMD with psychological factors was proposed as early as the 1980’s. Indeed, the interdependence of psychological and health aspects in the patient’s treatment, place light upon the more important variables contributing to the various mental disorders that may accompany TMD. Current literature suggests a close relationship between TMD and selected psychological factors, such as personality traits, stress, depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing. Of note, anxiety-depressive disorders, somatisation and catastrophizing contribute to chronic TMD, mainly in the form of myofascial pain. Hence, knowledge of the influence of psychological factors affecting TMD, enables the identification of patients with an increased risk of chronic painful TMD.
Ludwik Fleck: a message to start a new discourse
Authors: Solska Ewa
Published: March 2018

The goal of the present article is to initiate a series of papers on Ludwik Fleck’s theories of medical cognition and their contribution to contemporary research on science. I would like, however, to begin with the last statement, in which he signaled, almost half a century ahead of time, the current issues concerning scientific discourse in the socio-cultural dimension.
Eudragit FS 30D as a potential polymer for use in the technology of preparing matrix tablets contain metronidazole – an experimental and mathematical modeling study
Authors: Letmanski Tomasz , Kodym Anna , Weber Piotr , Lewandowski Michal , Wisniewski Andrzej , Baj Tomasz
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of a pH-dependent copolymer - Eudragit FS - for employment in the technology of preparing modified release metronidazole matrix tablets. In addition, in our work, Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS were included in the composition of some formulations, as well as sodium lauryl sulfate and polysorbate 80. As part of the study of the dissolution test, the similarity coefficient (f2) for the obtained profiles was calculated, and mathematic models were used to estimate the kinetics and mechanism of active substance release. In our work, it was observed that the inclusion of polymer Eudragit FS alone in the tablet composition ensured a modified release of the active substance for 10 h. After this time period, the amount of metronidazole determined in the acceptor fluid was 71% - 81% of the declared dose. Modification of the composition by the addition of surfactants resulted in an increased release of the active substance of up to 98%. This effect was dependent on the type of surfactant and its quantitative ratio to the Eudragit FS. Similar release profiles were obtained for tablets containing Eudragit RS and sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as Eudragit RS and polysorbate 80. Depending on the composition of tablets, metronidazole release proceeded in accordance with either first or second-order kinetics. We calculated as well, that the differing masses of Eudragit FS in the studied formulations correlates with the order of release kinetics (p < 0.002). Such an effect was validated using the Weibull model, wherein, in all the studied formulations, the release rate was seen as a decreasing function of time. An analysis of data according to the Ritger-Peppas model and the Peppas-Sahlin model for some formulations, indicated that the mechanism of active substance release from matrix tablets is diffusion.