bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A robust interactive estimation of the regularization parameter
Authors: Lima Williams A. , Silva João B. C. , Santos Darcicléa F. , Costa Jessé C.
Published: January 2019

We have developed a new and robust method (in the sense of it being applicable to a wide range of situations) to estimate the regularization parameter [Formula: see text] in a regularized inverse problem. For each tentative value of [Formula: see text], we perturb the observations with [Formula: see text] sequences of pseudorandom noise and we track down the instability effect on the solutions. Then, we define a quantitative measure [Formula: see text] of the solution instability consisting of the largest value among the Chebyshev norms of the vectors obtained by the differences between all pairs of the perturbed solutions. Despite being quantitative, [Formula: see text] cannot be used directly to estimate the best value of [Formula: see text] (the smallest value that stabilizes the solution) because, in practice, instability may depend on the particular and specific interests of the interpreter. Then, we determine that the interpreter, at each iteration of a bisection method, visually compares, in the ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) space, the pair [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the solutions most distant from each other and associated with the current [Formula: see text]. From this comparison, the interpreter decides if the current [Formula: see text] produces stable solutions. Because the bisection method can be applied only to monotonic functions (or segments of monotonic functions) and because [Formula: see text] has a theoretical monotonic behavior that can be corrupted, in practice by a poor experiment design, the set of values of [Formula: see text] can be used as a quality control of the experiments in the proposed bisection method to estimate the best value of [Formula: see text]. Because the premises necessary to apply the proposed method are very weak, the method is robust in the sense of having broad applicability. We have determined part of this potential by applying the proposed method to gravity, seismic, and magnetotelluric synthetic data, using two different interpretation models and different types of pseudorandom noise.
Microseismic event estimation and velocity analysis based on a source-focusing function
Authors: Song Chao , Alkhalifah Tariq , Wu Zedong
Published: January 2019

Attaining information corresponding to the microseismic source location helps in understanding the reservoir fracturing process. Time-reversal-based migration methods are widely used to obtain a source image directly. Such source-locating methods share a fundamental weakness: The accuracy of the source image depends highly on the accuracy of the velocity model. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has been used in microseismic data to include an optimization of the source image and velocity model, simultaneously. However, such inversions are vulnerable to cycle-skipping problems, more so when the source location and source origin time are unknown. The computational cost of FWI is also high. To solve these problems, we have developed a source-focusing function as an additional objective to optimize the velocity model and source image. This objective function used to measure the source-image focusing property is defined by the estimated source-location coordinate and the source image. The source image is poorly focused if the velocity is inaccurate, and the objective function reaches a minimum when the velocity is accurate. We use the geometric-mean imaging condition to get a high-resolution source image at each iteration. Then, we use this source image to calculate the estimated source-location coordinate and the gradient of the objective functional with respect to the velocity. The optimized velocity can improve the source-image quality. In the end, the final output velocity and source image will allow us to fit the objective for all these attributes of the model and source image. Using synthetic data generated from the 2D Marmousi and the 3D overthrust models, we highlight the cycle-skipping immune and high-resolution features of our method. The application to field data also indicates that our method can improve the velocity model and source-image quality.
High-resolution water-saturation prediction using geostatistical inversion and neural network methods
Authors: Mohamed Islam A. , Hemdan Mahmoud , Hosny Ahmed , Rashidy Mohamed
Published: January 2019

One of the main challenges that we face is the accurate prediction of pore-fluid properties with the highest possible resolution. The seismic resolution is the most limiting factor, especially in our case, in which the main reservoirs are deepwater turbidite channels and their thin beds typically fall below the seismic tuning thickness. Therefore, we designed a new workﬂow that combines the geostatistical inversion and the neural network analysis with the aim of predicting a 3D high-resolution water saturation (sampled every 1 ms), overcoming the limitation of seismic detectability and providing better reservoir characterization. The power of the geostatistical inversion is that it provides multiple model realizations, and each realization honors the well data (statistical information and logs) and the seismic data. These realizations are more reliable and high-resolution versions of the elastic parameters. On the other hand, the main advantage of the neural network is that it establishes a stable nonlinear link between the input seismic and inversion results and the target water saturation. The available data set for this study includes three angle stacks and seven wells from Scarab field, offshore Nile Delta. The resulted high-resolution saturation volume was tested using blind-well analysis and revisit post the drilling of a new well later on. It gave spectacular results in both cases. The normalized correlations between the predicted saturation volume and the real saturation logs are 0.87 and 0.89, respectively. The results prove the validity of the workflow to accurately predict water saturation with a higher resolution than ever before.
Comparing Glioblastoma Surgery Decisions Between Teams Using Brain Maps of Tumor Locations, Biopsies, and Resections
Authors: Müller Domenique M.J. , Robe Pierre A.J.T. , Eijgelaar Roelant S. , Witte Marnix G. , Visser Martin , de Munck Jan C. , Broekman Marieke L.D. , Seute Tatjana , Hendrikse Jeroen , Noske David P. , Vandertop William P. , Barkhof Frederik , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C.M. , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Berger Mitchel S. , De Witt Hamer Philip C.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The aim of glioblastoma surgery is to maximize the extent of resection while preserving functional integrity, which depends on the location within the brain. A standard to compare these decisions is lacking. We present a volumetric voxel-wise method for direct comparison between two multidisciplinary teams of glioblastoma surgery decisions throughout the brain.

Methods

Adults undergoing first-time glioblastoma surgery from 2012 to 2013 performed by two neuro-oncologic teams were included. Patients had had a diagnostic biopsy or resection. Preoperative tumors and postoperative residues were segmented on magnetic resonance imaging in three dimensions and registered to standard brain space. Voxel-wise probability maps of tumor location, biopsy, and resection were constructed for each team to compare patient referral bias, indication variation, and treatment variation. To evaluate the quality of care, subgroups of differentially resected brain regions were analyzed for survival and functional outcome.

Results

One team included 101 patients, and the other included 174; 91 tumors were biopsied, and 181 were resected. Patient characteristics were largely comparable between teams. Distributions of tumor locations were dissimilar, suggesting referral bias. Distributions of biopsies were similar, suggesting absence of indication variation. Differentially resected regions were identified in the anterior limb of the right internal capsule and the right caudate nucleus, indicating treatment variation. Patients with (n = 12) and without (n = 6) surgical removal in these regions had similar overall survival and similar permanent neurologic deficits.

Conclusion

Probability maps of tumor location, biopsy, and resection provide additional information that can inform surgical decision making across multidisciplinary teams for patients with glioblastoma.
Cancer Control at the District Hospital Level in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Educational and Resource Needs Assessment of General Practitioners
Authors: Martin Allison N. , Kaneza Kelly-Mariella , Kulkarni Amol , Mugenzi Pacifique , Ghebre Rahel , Ntirushwa David , Ilbawi André M. , Pace Lydia E. , Costas-Chavarri Ainhoa
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE

The WHO framework for early cancer diagnosis highlights the need to improve health care capacity among primary care providers. In Rwanda, general practitioners (GPs) at district hospitals (DHs) play key roles in diagnosing, initiating management, and referring suspected patients with cancer. We sought to ascertain educational and resource needs of GPs to provide a blueprint that can inform future early cancer diagnosis capacity–building efforts.

METHODS

We administered a cross-sectional survey study to GPs practicing in 42 Rwandan DHs to assess gaps in cancer-focused knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as delays in the referral process. Responses were aggregated and descriptive analysis was performed to identify trends.

RESULTS

Survey response rate was 76% (73 of 96 GPs). Most responders were 25 to 29 years of age (n = 64 [88%]) and 100% had been practicing between 3 and 12 months. Significant gaps in cancer knowledge and physical exam skills were identified—88% of respondents were comfortable performing breast exams, but less than 10 (15%) GPs reported confidence in performing pelvic exams. The main educational resource requested by responders (n = 59 [81%]) was algorithms to guide clinical decision-making. Gaps in resource availability were identified, with only 39% of responders reporting breast ultrasound availability and 5.8% reporting core needle biopsy availability in DHs. Radiology and pathology resources were limited, with 52 (71%) reporting no availability of pathology services at the DH level.

CONCLUSION

The current study reveals significant basic oncologic educational and resource gaps in Rwanda, such as physical examination skills and diagnostic tools. Capacity building for GPs in low- and middle-income countries should be a core component of national cancer control plans to improve accurate and timely diagnosis of cancer. Continuing professional development activities should address and focus on context-specific educational gaps, resource availability, and referral practice guidelines.
Revisiting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Amplification as a Target for Anti-EGFR Therapy: Analysis of Cell-Free Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Kato Shumei , Okamura Ryosuke , Mareboina Manvita , Lee Suzanna , Goodman Aaron , Patel Sandip P. , Fanta Paul T. , Schwab Richard B. , Vu Peter , Raymond Victoria M. , Lanman Richard B. , Sicklick Jason K. , Lippman Scott M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To date, evidence for tissue epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression as a biomarker for anti-EGFR therapies has been weak. We investigated the genomic landscape of EGFR amplification in blood-derived cell-free tumor DNA (cfDNA) across diverse cancers and the role of anti-EGFR therapies in achieving response.

Methods

We assessed EGFR amplification status among 28,584 patients with malignancies evaluated by clinical-grade next-generation sequencing (NGS) of blood-derived cfDNA (54- to 73-gene panel). Furthermore, we curated the clinical characteristics of 1,434 patients at the University of California San Diego who had cfDNA testing by this NGS test.

Results

Overall, EGFR amplification was detected in cfDNA from 8.5% of patients (2,423 of 28,584), most commonly in colorectal (16.3% [458 of 2,807]), non–small-cell lung (9.0% [1,096 of 12,197]), and genitourinary cancers (8.1% [170 of 2,104]). Most patients had genomic coalterations (96.9% [95 of 98]), frequently involving genes affecting other tyrosine kinases (72.4% [71 of 98]), mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades (56.1% [55 of 98]), cell-cycle–associated signals (52.0% [51 of 98]), and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway (35.7% [35 of 98]). EGFR amplification emerged in serial cfDNA after various anticancer therapies (n = 6), including checkpoint inhibitors (n = 4), suggesting a possible role for these amplifications in acquired resistance. Nine evaluable patients with EGFR amplification were treated with anti-EGFR–based regimens; five (55.6%) achieved partial responses, including three patients whose tissue NGS lacked EGFR amplification.

Conclusion

EGFR amplification was detected in cfDNA among 8.5% of 28,584 diverse cancers. Most patients had coexisting alterations. Responses were observed in five of nine patients who received EGFR inhibitors. Incorporating EGFR inhibitors into the treatment regimens of patients harboring EGFR amplification in cfDNA merits additional study.
Low−dose ionizing radiation alleviates Aβ42−induced cell death via regulating AKT and p38 pathways inDrosophilaAlzheimer′s disease models
Authors: Hwang Soojin , Jeong Haemin , Hong Eun−Hee , Joo Hae Mi , Cho Kyoung Sang , Nam Seon Young
Published: January 2019

Ionizing radiation is widely used in medicine and is valuable in both the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. However, its health effects are ambiguous. Here, we report that low−dose ionizing radiation has beneficial effects in human amyloid−β42 (Aβ42)−expressing Drosophila Alzheimer′s disease (AD) models. Ionizing radiation at a dose of 0.05 Gy suppressed AD−like phenotypes, including developmental defects and locomotive dysfunction, but did not alter the decreased survival rates and longevity of Aβ42−expressing flies. The same dose of γ−irradiation reduced Aβ42−induced cell death in Drosophila AD models through downregulation of head involution defective (hid), which encodes a protein that activates caspases. However, 4 Gy of γ−irradiation increased Aβ42−induced cell death without modulating pro−apoptotic genes grim, reaper, and hid. The AKT signaling pathway, which was suppressed in Drosophila AD models, was activated by either 0.05 or 4 Gy γ−irradiation. Interestingly, p38 mitogen−activated protein−kinase (MAPK) activity was inhibited by exposure to 0.05 Gy γ−irradiation but enhanced by exposure to 4 Gy in Aβ42−expressing flies. In addition, overexpression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a negative regulator of the AKT signaling pathway, or a null mutant of AKT strongly suppressed the beneficial effects of low−dose ionizing radiation in Aβ42−expressing flies. These results indicate that low−dose ionizing radiation suppresses Aβ42−induced cell death through regulation of the AKT and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting that low−dose ionizing radiation has hormetic effects on the pathogenesis of Aβ42−associated AD.
The forkhead box F1 transcription factor inhibits collagen deposition and accumulation of myofibroblasts during liver fibrosis
Authors: Flood Hannah M. , Bolte Craig , Dasgupta Nupur , Sharma Akanksha , Zhang Yufang , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R. , Kalin Tanya V. , Kalinichenko Vladimir V.
Published: January 2019

Hepatic fibrosis is the common end stage to a variety of chronic liver injuries and is characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which disrupts the liver architecture and impairs liver function. The fibrous lesions are produced by myofibroblasts, which differentiate from hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The myofibroblasts transcriptional networks remain poorly characterized. Previous studies have shown that the Forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) transcription factor is expressed in HSCs and stimulates their activation during acute liver injury; however, the role of FOXF1 in the progression of hepatic fibrosis is unknown. In the present study, we generated αSMACreER;Foxf1fl/fl mice to conditionally inactivate Foxf1 in myofibroblasts during carbon tetrachloride-mediated liver fibrosis. Foxf1 deletion increased collagen depositions and disrupted liver architecture. Timp2 expression was significantly increased in Foxf1-deficient mice while MMP9 activity was reduced. RNA sequencing of purified liver myofibroblasts demonstrated that FOXF1 inhibits expression of pro-fibrotic genes, Col1α2, Col5α2, and Mmp2 in fibrotic livers and binds to active repressors located in promotors and introns of these genes. Overexpression of FOXF1 inhibits Col1a2, Col5a2, and MMP2 in primary murine HSCs in vitro. Altogether, FOXF1 prevents aberrant ECM depositions during hepatic fibrosis by repressing pro-fibrotic gene transcription in myofibroblasts and HSCs.
Synthesis of C-4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene and Its Application as Adsorbent for Lead(II), Copper(II) and Chromium(III)
Authors: Jumina  , Siswanta Dwi , Nofiati Kira , Imawan Arif Cahyo , Priastomo Yoga , Ohto Keisuke
Published: January 2019

This study aims to synthesize C-4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene and investigate the kinetics of its application as an adsorbent for lead(II), copper(II) and chromium(III) ions. The interaction between this adsorbent and these metal ions was also studied. In this work, C-4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylcalix[4]resocinarene was synthesized from vanillin and resorcinol as a light red solid in 84% yield, and its ability to adsorb the metal ions was conducted in a batch system. The kinetics and interaction of the adsorbent with these metal ions were analyzed by FAAS spectrometry and FT-IR respectively. The optimum pH values of this adsorbent to adsorb Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) ions were determined to be 5.48, 5.70 and 4.50 respectively. The adsorption rate order of these metal ions onto adsorbent was found to be Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cr(III). The competitive adsorption of these heavy metal ions was also investigated. FT-IR spectra showed the presence of interaction between Pb(II) and the adsorbent, but no such interaction was observed between the adsorbent and Cr(III) or Cu(II). Further studies based on the 1H NMR and UV spectra of the free and metal ion loaded adsorbents confirmed the presence of interaction between the adsorbent and all metal cations.
The Capacitor Properties of KOH Activated Porous Carbon Beads Derived from Polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Tenmyo Hiroshi , Sugihara Ryosuke , Ohta Atsushi , Uematsu Taro , Tsuda Tetsuya , Maruyama Jun , Iwasaki Satoshi , Uyama Hiroshi , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: January 2019

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-derived carbon beads with uniform size and high surface area were successfully prepared by the carbonization of PAN and activation by KOH. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the PAN-derived carbon beads activated by KOH possessed larger pore volume and pore width than the same types of carbon beads activated by CO2 and commercially available activated carbon powder. Even if the PAN-derived carbon beads were made into an electrode without any conducting supplements, the electrode possessed a higher specific capacitance than an electrode composed of commercially available activated carbon in the presence of conducting acetylene black powders. Origins of such desirable properties as carbon materials used for electric double layer capacitors were investigated by AC impedance measurements in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions.
A Platinum Functional Porphyrin Conjugate: An Excellent Cancer Killer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Ogawa Kazuma , Li Siqiaozhi , Kiwada Tatsuto , Odani Akira
Published: January 2019

A novel tetracationic porphyrin-platinum(II) conjugate was synthesized and characterized. This complex, 4Pt(dach)ClTPyP, showed reasonable water solubility, lack of aggregation, and high singlet oxygen quantum yield. It also exhibited low dark cytotoxicity and excellent photocytotoxicity (Colon26: 0.17 µM; Sarcoma180: 0.25 µM). The mechanisms of cell death have been investigated and are attributed to high singlet oxygen generation, internalization into nucleus, and a caspase-3 induced apoptosis pathway. In the in vivo photodynamic therapy (PDT) assay, 4Pt(dach)ClTPyP completely killed tumor tissue, not simply displaying inhibition of tumor growth, and no recurrence was seen 18 days later after a single administration. All these findings of 4Pt(dach)ClTPyP shed light on a potential clinical use for cancer PDT in the future.
A randomized open label trial of tamoxifen combined with amphotericin B and fluconazole for cryptococcal meningitis.
Authors: Ngan Nguyen Thi Thuy , Mai Nguyen Thi Hoang , Tung Nguyen Le Nhu , Lan Nguyen Phu Huong , Tai Luong Thi Hue , Phu Nguyen Hoan , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Binh Tran Quang , Hung Le Quoc , Beardsley Justin , White Nicholas , Lalloo David , Krysan Damian , Hope William , Geskus Ronald , Wolbers Marcel , Le Thanh Hoang Nhat , Thwaites Guy , Kestelyn Evelyne , Day Jeremy
Published: January 2019

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of death in HIV-infected patients. International treatment guidelines recommend induction therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine. This antifungal combination is most effective, but unfortunately flucytosine is expensive and unavailable where the burden of disease is greatest. Where unavailable, guidelines recommend treatment with amphotericin and fluconazole, but this is less effective, with mortality rates of 40-50%. Faster rates of clearance of yeast from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with better outcomes - improving the potency of antifungal therapy is likely to be an effective strategy to improve survival. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to treat breast cancer, has anti-cryptococcal activity, appearing synergistic when combinedin vitrowith amphotericin, and fungicidal when combined with fluconazole. It is concentrated in the brain and macrophages, off-patent, cheap and widely available. We designed a randomized trial to deliver initial efficacy and safety data for tamoxifen combined with amphotericin and fluconazole.

Method: A phase II, open-label, randomized (1:1) controlled trial of tamoxifen (300mg/day) combined with amphotericin (1mg/kg/day) and fluconazole (800mg/day) for the first 2 weeks therapy for HIV infected or uninfected adults with cryptococcal meningitis. The study recruits at Cho Ray Hospital and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The primary end point is Early Fungicidal Activity (EFA-the rate of yeast clearance from CSF), over the first two weeks of treatment. 50 patients will be recruited providing ≈80% and 90% power to detect a difference in the EFA of -0.11 or -0.13 log10CFU/ml/day, respectively.

Discussion:The results of the study will inform the decision to proceed to a larger trial powered to mortality. The size of effect detectable has previously been associated with reduced mortality from this devastating disease. Particular side effects of interest include QT prolongation.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.govNCT03112031(11/04/2017)
Instrumentos para la promoción de la participación de la mujer en la ciencia: los premios L’Oréal-UNESCO en Argentina
Authors: Sarthou Nerina Fernanda
Published: January 2019

En las últimas dos décadas aumentaron, significativamente, la cantidad y la diversidad de instrumentos de política implementados en el ámbito de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación tanto en América Latina, como en Argentina. En este contexto, aunque se han creado nuevas iniciativas para la promoción de la participación de las mujeres en dicho ámbito, estas han sido pobremente incorporadas a los inventarios y diagnósticos en el área. Este trabajo analiza un tipo de instrumento específico: los premios destinados, exclusivamente, a la mujer en la ciencia, en este caso, el Premio L’Oréal-Unesco en Argentina. El enfoque se centra en tres aspectos principales desde el punto de vista tanto de la investigación, como de la formulación de políticas: las motivaciones de las premiadas para participar, los efectos que estas identifican, luego de ser distinguidas, y su opinión sobre la participación de la mujer en la ciencia en relación con los objetivos del premio. El estudio se sustenta en evidencia cualitativa mediante la combinación del análisis de documentos oficiales de los organismos patrocinadores y de la realización de entrevistas en profundidad a las ganadoras de los premios y distinciones.
Participación uruguaya en el Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU en el bienio 2016-2017 | Uruguayan participation at the UN Security Council in 2016-2017 biennium
Authors: De María Oscar
Published: January 2019

La presente contribución es un breve racconto analítico de la agenda tratada por Uruguay durante el bienio 2016-2017 período en que ocupara el asiendo rotativo en el Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU. Identifica los principales desafíos que el país enfrentó en materia de política exterior, así como también muestra los diferentes temas que permearon la agenda.ABSTRACTThe present contribution is a brief analytical account of the agenda dealt by Uruguay during the 2016-2017 biennium, when the country occupied the rotating seat in the UN Security Council. It identifies the main challenges the country faced in terms of foreign policy, as well as showing the different issues that permeated the agenda.Palabras clave: Uruguay. Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU. Política Exterior.Keywords: Uruguay. UN Security Council. Foreign Policy.Recebido em: 9 de Outubro de 2018 | Received on: Octubre 9, 2018DOI
Patient safety in the NHS: opening the door to change
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2019

John Tingle discusses new reports on patient safety in the NHS from NHS Improvement and the Care Quality Commission
The Royal College of Nursing's quest to improve recruitment
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: January 2019

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses a recent report by the Royal College of Nursing calling for the Government to change the system of funding for nurse education
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection: signs, diagnosis, prevention
Authors: Davis Cathy
Published: January 2019

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the UK and can have implications for both the patient and the health service. This article highlights those at risk, the signs and symptoms of CAUTI, diagnosis, methods of prevention and treatment. It highlights current guidance available to nurses to help ensure they are following the most recent recommendations for best practice.
Immediate natural tooth bridges
Authors: Greer Anna C , Husain Juzaily , Martin Nicolas
Published: January 2019

Abstract: This article describes four cases in which immediate natural tooth bridges have been provided. Four different techniques are described for creating these. The four different retainer types discussed are silanated glass fibres impregnated with PMMA and bis-GMA, laboratory-made metal wings, metal mesh and mesh-type titanium wire. With the support of photographs and diagrams, the techniques for each retainer type are described. The final section of this article discusses the factors that affect the prognosis of immediate natural tooth bridges. Providing information on prognosis is an important part of the consent process; this includes patient factors and clinician factors.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article details four different techniques for creating immediate natural tooth bridges. It also discusses the important factors to consider for the prognosis of immediate natural tooth bridges.
Head and neck skin cancers and where to find them − A quality improvement project
Authors: Shah Neil V , Ashworth Daniel , Moran Nick , Holmes Anjani
Published: January 2019

Abstract: This article is a summary of a three-stage quality improvement project aimed to raise awareness and provide basic knowledge for the early identification and appropriate referral of suspicious skin lesions. The results of this project may indicate that not enough attention is given to these lesions in undergraduate teaching, thus indicating the requirement for change. This article aims to raise awareness of the increasing prevalence of skin cancers whilst providing information of the basic signs, symptoms and clinical features for clinicians to look out for during their examination and consultation.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental surgeons are in a prime position to aid in the identification and referral of suspicious skin lesions due to exposure to the head and neck area on a regular basis.
Interpreting research to inform practice: The hierarchy of evidence framework
Authors: Ball Elaine , Regan Paul
Published: January 2019

This article examines the hierarchy of evidence (HoE) framework and evidence-based practice for clinical practice and nurse education. Student evaluations of a post-qualifying evidence-based practice module identified consistent tension in interpreting research papers that did not appear to fit into their experience of nursing practice. Community nurses identified a lack of evidence informing their practice. A mixed methods study facilitated a comparative analysis of HoE framework and a complimentary Familial model developed to improve student understanding. Data collection methods included a focus group of module members (n=5), and a sample of 314 respondents identified the HoE framework fails to help nurses interpret high and low evidence, reducing the potential to implement evidence into clinical practice, but it was not clear why. The Familial model appeared to enable a better understanding and relevance of evidence to inform clinical action. This is a unifying principle for evidence-based practice, yet one not found within a HoE framework. The art of nursing does not merely respond to published literature, but patient interaction and clinical implementation for community nursing requires a broader interpretation of evidence-based practice.
Medicine residues in milk and the MilkSure initiative
Authors: Atkinson Owen
Published: January 2019

Dairy farmers and their veterinary surgeons are under some scrutiny currently regarding medicine stewardship on dairy farms. There are several streams of activity within the industry, mainly focused on reducing antibiotic resistance. Avoiding medicine residues in milk is a separate stream of activity, the main thrust of which is through the Dairy UK/BCVA MilkSure initiative. Residues and the tests used to detect them are far from straightforward and misunderstandings are not uncommon. This article gives context to the subject of milk residues and summarises the main points which are useful for practitioners to know.
Supporting the children who live with domestic abuse
Authors: Stafford Clare , Leoni Julie
Published: January 2019

Clare Stafford continues her series on vulnerable learners with advice on how schools can spot and support those young people who are living with domestic abuse. One in five secondary-aged children have been exposed to domestic abuse and around 130,000 children live in homes where there is high-risk domestic abuse. Dr Julie Leoni looks at what schools can do to spot the signs, support victims and train their teachers
Aspects of effective PSHE
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: January 2019

High-quality PSHE is essential to the wellbeing of our students. Last week, Matt Bromley looked at how to create and lead an effective PSHE programme. This week he looks at what Ofsted has to say on the matter and offers further advice about the tenets of effective PSHE
After the laparotomy: what goes wrong with the incision, and how do I deal with it?
Authors: Pollock Patrick
Published: January 2019

Incisional complications following equine abdominal laparotomy (coeliotomy) are common and range from mild swelling to catastrophic failure of the incision and eventration of abdominal contents. Investigation of incisional complications through clinical examination, palpation and ultrasonography often falls to veterinary surgeons in practice. Although most complications are not serious, early identification and treatment is important in reducing morbidity, and can have a significant effect on equine welfare.
Equine Review
Authors: Parker Russell
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

This edition of Equine Review considers papers on detection of synovial sepsis, surgical management of scirrhous cord, and environmental survival times of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
Leak
Authors: Annerborn Erik
Published: January 2019

These images are an attempt to render emotions and relations visible, by blending human subjects with digital sculptures. The performers have been instructed to enact a variety of emotional states. The digital additions enhance, distort and/or problematize these emotions. What is happening when an emotion projects itself, or bursts out of, the mind of the subject?
Habitat 2067
Authors: Kenney Martha , Lansdowne Tristram
Published: January 2019

Drawing from a questionnaire circulated amongst the authors of this thematic issue about how we want to live in 50 years, ‘Habitat 2067’ considers the politics of designing an ideal future community for ourselves. Working with and against 1960s utopianism, we consider the (im)possibility of using design to answer social and political questions. We use speculative fiction to explore how desires, fears, and anxieties about aging shape our vision of the future. We have included an image with artwork by Tristram Lansdowne that can be folded into a polyhedron, so that the reader is able to assemble their own Habitat 2067.
Excerpt from Citizen: An American Lyric
Authors: Rankine Claudia
Published: January 2019

Claudia Rankine, Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale University and winner of the MacArthur Fellowship, shares two poems from her bestselling collection, Citizen: An American Lyric, that express thematic and formal links to the concept and force of smoke.
Ancient Sunlight: An Interview with Elizabeth A. Povinelli
Authors: Benivolski Xenia , Povinelli Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

Elizabeth A. Povinelli is an anthropologist, queer theorist, and filmmaker, whose ground-clearing work has developed a critical theory of late liberalism that would support what she calls ‘an anthropology of the otherwise.’ In her most recent monograph, Geontologies: A Requiem to Late Liberalism, she probes the politics that undergird the distinction between Life and Nonlife, tracking its pernicious vocation both within contemporary regimes of power and within the critical languages that infuse the contemporary theoretical scene. In this interview, Povinelli speaks about geontopower; the spatio-temporalities of dust, smoke, and smog; and the breath of the geological.
Bacterial isolation from internal organs of rats (Rattus rattus) captured in Baghdad city of Iraq
Authors: Ayyal Nagham Mohammed , Abbas Zainab Abdulzahra , Karim Abdulkarim Jafar , Abbas Zainab Majid , Al-Salihi Karima Akool , Khalaf Jenan Mahmood , Mahmood Dunya Dhafir , Mohammed Eman Abdullah , Jumaa Rawaa Saladdin , Abdul-Majeed Dhuha Ismaeel
Published: January 2019

Aim: Rats are accused in disseminating many zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from internal organs of rats captured in Baghdad City, Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 black rats (R. rattus) were trapped from different areas in Baghdad city. Rats were kept in individual plastic cages for 3 h before euthanizing. Deep pharyngeal swab, intestinal content, urine, and pieces of the liver and spleen, lung, kidney, and brain were obtained aseptically. The specimens were inoculated into peptone water and incubated at 37°C for 24 h for enrichment. A loopful of each specimen was then subcultured onto MacConkey Agar, Blood Agar, and Mannitol Salt Agar. CHROMagar O157 H7 and CHROMagar Listeria were used to detect Escherichia coli 157:7 and Listeria spp., respectively. Biochemical tests on analytical profile index, microscopic examination, and commercial kit for latex agglutination test for serotyping E. coli O157:H7 were used. Results: Mixed bacterial isolates were recorded as 116, 52, 36, 28, 18, 6, and 4 from intestinal contents, deep pharyngeal, liver and spleen, urine, lung, brain, and kidney, respectively. Microorganisms included E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter cloacae, Listeria spp., Klebsiella spp., Ochrobactrum anthropi, Aeromonas spp., Brucella spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia fergusonii, Micrococcus spp., Morganella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas luteola, and Streptobacillus spp. The highest bacterial prevalence (88; 73.33%) was recorded for E. coli, where 68 isolates were identified from the intestinal contents. Of these, four isolates were E. coli O157:H7. Conclusion: Rats are important carriers and transmitters of a number of pathogens and can disseminate these microorganisms to humans and animals.
A csalás és a plágium hallgatói megítélése – a kontextus és a hallgatói tréning szerepe
Authors: Doró Katalin
Published: January 2019

A hallgatói értékelés és mérés egyik kulcsfontosságú kérdése a nemzetközi szakirodalomban és a mindennapi oktatómunkában is az, hogy milyen mértékben önállóak az egyetemeken értékelésre benyújtott munkák. Jelen tanulmány egy kérdőív segítségével azt vizsgálja, hogy első éves angolos bölcsész és tanár szakos hallgatók mennyire ítélnek súlyosnak bizonyos csalási és plagizálási formákat és hogyan változik megítélésük, ha a szituációk kontextusba helyeződnek. Sok hallgató értékelése enyhül, ha az elkövető időszűkében van, ha a vétségeket a társak is elkövetik, az oktatók nem elég szigorúan kezelik, vagy az elkövetés pénzbüntetéssel, esetleg tanulmányi csúszással jár. A tanulmány arra is kitér, hogy az elmúlt években hogyan épült be a kérdőív egy nyelvi szeminárium részeként a hallgatók korai szemléletformálásába.
Risk factors for venous thromboses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Satybaldyeva M. A. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Seredavkina N. V. , Glukhova S. I. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: January 2019

Objective: to determine risk factors (RFs) for venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Subjects and methods: The investigation enrolled 374 patients (311 women and 63 men) with a reliable diagnosis of RA who met the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. The patients' mean age was 53.7±13.6 years; the disease duration was 12.1±10.7 years. All the patients were treated at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology Clinic during the period from 2014 to 2017. A standard clinical examination of the peripheral joints was performed. RA activity was measured using DAS28. A survey was made using a questionnaire including questions on traditional RFs for VTE and RFs that might be caused by RA and its therapy. Results and discussion. VTE were recorded in 45 (12%) out of the 374 patients. Group 1 included 45 patients with VTE; Group 2 consisted of 329 patients without VTE. Multidimensional analysis showed an increased risk of developing VTE in RA under the influence of the following factors: high inflammatory activity; lower extremity varicose veins; hypercholesterolemia; and hypertension. Their weighted coefficients were 1.1, 2.5, 1.0, and 0.9, respectively. According to the obtained model (p<0.001), the risk of VTE in RA can be predicted by the following formula: Z = 1.1 • high RA activity (Yes = 1/No = 0) + 2.5 • lower extremity varicose veins (Yes = 1/No = 0) + 1.0 • hypercholesterolemia (Yes = 1/No = 0) + 0.9 • hypertension (Yes = 1 / No = 0).Conclusion: The increased risk for VTE in RA patients determines the need for its timely assessment, by taking into account the known risk factors as both standard ones and those caused by the disease itself and its therapy. This risk assessment is necessary for the timely adequate treatment and prevention of thrombotic events in RA.
Prevention of arthritis attacks in the use of urate-lowering therapy in patients with gout
Authors: Chikina M. N.
Published: January 2019

During the first months after initiation of urate-lowering therapy in patients with gout, the risk of exacerbating arthritis substantially increases, frequently causing them to refuse this treatment. The main way to avoid this risk is the preventive administration of colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or glucocorticoids. This prevention of arthritis attacks is stipulated in the latest versions of many national and international guidelines; nevertheless, this tactic is rarely used in practice. The review presents the most significant studies on this problem.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis as a variant of severe skin lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vorobyeva L. D. , Aseeva E. A. , Solovyev S. K. , Belousova T. A. , Lopatina N. E. , Sazhina E. G. , Serikova G. V.
Published: January 2019

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) has been long believed to be the most severe manifestation of drug allergy. However, cutaneous changes as TEN in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were first described in the late 1970s. As of now, the English-language literature published reports of 30 cases of such lesions in SLE. This paper describes a clinical case of TEN as a direct manifestation of SLE; the positive experience has been first depicted in using not only intravenous immunoglobulin, but also rituximab with a good therapeutic effect in Russian clinical practice.
Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures during total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Khramov A. E. , Makarov M. A. , Makarov S. A. , Amirdzhanova V. N. , Rybnikov A. V. , Pavlov V. P. , Askerov A. A.
Published: January 2019

Surgical treatment in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) is associated with the higher risk of complications due to the presence of the inflammatory process, to long-term therapy with glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologic agents (BA), to decreased physical activity, and the severity of functional disorders, and to obvious osteoporosis. All this increases the risk of intraoperative complications, including periprosthetic fractures.Objective: to comparatively analyze intraoperative periprosthetic fractures of the greater trochanter, acetabulum, and proximal femur during total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with RDs.Subjects and methods. From 1998 till 2017, a total of 1569 THA were performed in patients with RA, including 464 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 396 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 709 with osteoarthritis (OA).Results and discussion. Periprosthetic fractures after THA were diagnosed in a total of 68 (4.33%) patients, including 23 (4.96%) patients with RA, 27 (6.82%) with JRA and SLE, and 18 (2.54%) with OA; 42 (61.8%) patients with periprosthetic fractures underwent osteosynthesis. Statistical analysis of the findings revealed significantly higher rates of complications in patients with RA and JRA with SLE (p < 0.005).Conclusion. The findings confirm that the risk of periprosthetic fractures is higher in patients with inflammatory diseases, including RA, JRA, and SLE. These patients require a special approach that involves medical correction of impaired bone metabolism and proper individual selection of endoprosthetic components, by taking into account the anatomical features of female patients and delicate bone handling during surgery.
A Comparative Study of ICT Innovation Policy for the Countries Development Perspective
Authors: Saleem Ayesha , Higuchi Kiyohide
Published: January 2019

In the globalized environment, the economic growth significantly depends on the countries capacity to develop, to apply new technologies and vice versa. Diffusion of information communication technologies is a global phenomenon. Despite of rapid globalization there are considerable differences between nations in terms of adoption and usage of new technologies. This paper aims to draw together the highly eclectic literature on the diffusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Innovation in order to know what have been done, highlight the generic issues, relevant to policy and will initiate further research and develop potential opportunities. This paper also highlight the low level and high level income countries data and ICT policies frame work to draw conclusions and some case studies as an example. The objective is to review the finding the social economic factor for diffusion of ICT Innovation to make policy recommendation for the development of the country.
Politik Seksual dalam Tafsir al-Qur'an tentang Sejarah Homoseksualitas
Authors: Luthfillah Muhammad Dluha , Khalil Muhammad Imdad Ilhami
Published: January 2019

Homophobic bias has been existing in tafsir literature, ranging from its very early works to the most recent ones. Among the aspects in which such a bias appears is that relating to the history of homosexuality. Al-A’rāf ([7]: 80) and al-‘Ankabūt ([29]: 28) are the only verses that talk about the aspect. Rather than following the mainstream tafsir denying the historicity of homosexuality, this article elaborates al-Rāzī’s alternative interpretation on the two verses and comes up with an argument that homosexuality might historically exist even before the lifetime of Lot and his people. Emphasizing on linguistic and literary analysis on the words sabaqa, bi, and fahisya, it finds strong foundations on which the argument is relying. Further, the article finds that it is the sexual politics that brings about the homophobic bias into Qur’an tafsir. The very kind of politics expels homosexuality from the so- called ‘normal’ life.
Mengurai Polemik Abadi Absolutisme dan Relativisme Etika
Authors: Purnama Fahmi Farid
Published: January 2019

Arthur Schopenhauer described teaching morality is not as difficult as giving bases its foundations. As the hope of humanity, the base of ethics is something that always aspired to every thinker. But the base of universal ethics and without contradiction is impossible to achieve. In the development of the ethics in such a complicated, especially related to the complexity of ethical relativism and absolutism among ethical—in fact—become an endless polemic among philosophers. By basing on the differences of culture, proponents of relativism presup- poses a moral basis ' without basis ' (groundless ethic). While the absolutist trying to affirm a moral basis which is released from the actual situation as well as the limits of his humanity.
INTERNALISASI PEMIKIRAN KH. MUHAMMAD SHOLEH DARAT DI KOMUNITAS PECINTANYA: Perspektif Sosiologi Pengetahuan
Authors: Aziz Akhmad Luthfi
Published: January 2019

KH. Muhammad Sholeh Darat al-Samarani is one of the great Ulama in Nusantara in the 19th  century. He studied from the pesantren to the pesantren even to study in the Holy Land, Macca, then returned to Java to spread his knowledge in Darat, Semarang, Central Java. Years later, there was a community that elaborated and tried to construct and spread of KH. Muhammad Sholeh Darat al-Samarani’s works and thoughts. In this paper, using the sociological theory of knowledge of Peter L. Berger, the process of internalizing the thoughts of KH. Muhammad Sholeh Darat al-Samarani in the Kiai Sholeh Darat Community (Komunitas Pecinta Kiai Sholeh Darat, KOPISODA) will be discussed. Finally, it can be stated that there is an internalization process in understanding, applying, and living of KH. Muhammad Sholeh Darat al-Samarani’s thoughts in the community.