bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tabletop games and 21st century skill practice in the undergraduate classroom
Authors: Hayse Mark 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the undergraduate classroom, tabletop games can aid both teaching and learning – especially when accompanied by debriefing exercises following gameplay. In particular, tabletop games enable undergraduate learners to practice the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. This qualitative study examines three cases from the disciplines of practical theology, systematic theology, and history, utilizing the methods of classroom video recordings, written assessments from students and professors, and student debriefing exercises. In this study, undergraduate students (n = 46) and undergraduate professors (n = 3) reflect upon and self‐report their experience playing tabletop games in the classroom. Students and professors report that tabletop gameplay appears to intensify active learning, classroom engagement, and student motivation – a powerful blend for the retention of course content.
Intestinal tuberculosis: clinico‐pathological profile and the importance of a high degree of suspicion
Authors: Cheng Wei , Zhang Shaoyi , Li Yousheng , Wang Jian , Li Jieshou 
Published: October 2018

SummaryObjectivesIntestinal tuberculosis (ITB) remains prevalent and a big health hazard in China. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse its clinico‐pathological features.MethodsRetrospective study of 85 consecutive ITB patients in two tertiary hospitals in East China. Relevant clinical, laboratory examination, radiological, endoscopic and histopathological features of ITB were recorded.ResultsThe mean age was 37.3 ± 16.0 years; 56 patients (65.9%) were male. 67.1% had ITB secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. The overall median length of hospital stay was 28 days and was significantly longer in patients with intestinal complications (P = 0.003) and malnutrition (P = 0.042). Abdominal pain (88.2%) and weight loss (75.3%) were the commonest symptoms. The positive rate of the purified protein derivative (PPD) test was 88.2%; of the T‐spot, 85.7%. Histopathology revealed caseating granuloma in 70.6% and caseating necrosis in 24.7% of patients. The most commonly affected sites were the ileocecal valve (56, 65.9%), terminal ileum (40, 47.1%) and caecum (33, 38.8%). Only 17 (20%) patients were initially diagnosed as ITB, the other 68 patients were misdiagnosed. Six patients with caecum tuberculosis were misdiagnosed as appendicitis, four of whom had improper surgical procedures followed by post‐operative intestinal fistulas; two died due to MODS.ConclusionsDiagnosis of ITB is often misdirected and delayed, which may lead to inappropriate treatment and high mortality. High diagnostic suspicion is necessary for patients with unexplained abdominal complaints. Diagnosis is not easy but could benefit coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis, T‐spot, CT imaging, colonoscopy, pathological features, acid‐fast bacilli and response to anti‐tuberculosis therapy (ATT).
Is FTA/EPA effective for a developing country to attract FDI? The knowledge‐capital model revisited
Authors: Oyamada Kazuhiko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo prepare an answer to the question of how a developing country can attract foreign direct investment (FDI), this paper explored the factors and policies that may help bring FDI into a developing country by utilising an extended version of the knowledge‐capital model. With a special focus on the effects of a free trade agreement (FTA) or an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between a pair of market and non‐market countries, simulations with the model revealed the following: (i) although FTA/EPA generally tends to increase FDI to a developing country, the possibility of improving welfare through increased demand for skilled and unskilled labour decreases as the size of the country grows; (ii) a developing country may suffer severe welfare losses through FTA/EPA if the availability of skilled labour is extremely limited; and (iii) a developing country can enhance welfare gains from a FTA, and it is even possible to recover the welfare effects from negative to positive, by making the arrangement an EPA.
Furstenberg entropy of intersectional invariant random subgroups
Authors: Hartman Yair , Yadin Ariel 
Published: October 2018

We study the Furstenberg-entropy realization problem for stationary actions. It is shown that for finitely supported probability measures on free groups, any a priori possible entropy value can be realized as the entropy of an ergodic stationary action. This generalizes results of Bowen. The stationary actions we construct arise via invariant random subgroups (IRSs), based on ideas of Bowen and Kaimanovich. We provide a general framework for constructing a continuum of ergodic IRSs for a discrete group under some algebraic conditions, which gives a continuum of entropy values. Our tools apply, for example, for certain extensions of the group of finitely supported permutations and lamplighter groups, hence establishing full realization results for these groups. For the free group, we construct the IRSs via a geometric construction of subgroups, by describing their Schreier graphs. The analysis of the entropy of these spaces is obtained by studying the random walk on the appropriate Schreier graphs.
On discrete homology of a free pro--group
Authors: Ivanov Sergei O. , Mikhailov Roman 
Published: October 2018

For a prime $p$, let $\hat{F}_{p}$ be a finitely generated free pro-$p$-group of rank at least $2$. We show that the second discrete homology group $H_{2}(\hat{F}_{p},\mathbb{Z}/p)$ is an uncountable $\mathbb{Z}/p$-vector space. This answers a problem of A. K. Bousfield.
Somatic mutant clones colonize the human esophagus with age
Authors: Martincorena Iñigo , Fowler Joanna C. , Wabik Agnieszka , Lawson Andrew R. J. , Abascal Federico , Hall Michael W. J. , Cagan Alex , Murai Kasumi , Mahbubani Krishnaa , Stratton Michael R. , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , Handford Penny A. , Campbell Peter J. , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Jones Philip H. 
Published: October 2018

The mutational burden of agingAs people age, they accumulate somatic mutations in healthy cells. About 25% of cells in normal, sun-exposed skin harbor cancer driver mutations. What about tissues not exposed to powerful mutagens like ultraviolet light? Martincorenaet al.performed targeted gene sequencing of normal esophageal epithelium from nine human donors of varying age (see the Perspective by Chanock). The mutation rate was lower in esophagus than in skin, but there was a strong positive selection of clones carrying mutations in 14 cancer-associated genes. By middle age, more than half of the esophageal epithelium was colonized by mutant clones. Interestingly, mutations in the cancer driver geneNOTCH1were more common in normal esophageal epithelium than in esophageal cancer.Science, this issue p.911; see also p.893
Serologic Response to Cell Wall Mannoproteins and Proteins ofCandida albicans
Authors: Martínez José P. , Gil M. Luisa , López-Ribot José L. , Chaffin W. LaJean 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYThe cell wall of Candida albicans not only is the structure in which many biological functions essential for the fungal cells reside but also is a significant source of candidal antigens. The major cell wall components that elicit a response from the host immune system are proteins and glycoproteins, the latter being predominantly mannoproteins. Both the carbohydrate and protein moieties are able to trigger immune responses. Although cell-mediated immunity is often considered to be the most important line of defense against candidiasis, cell wall protein and glycoprotein components also elicit a potent humoral response from the host that may include some protective antibodies. Proteins and glycoproteins exposed at the most external layers of the wall structure are involved in several types of interactions of fungal cells with the exocellular environment. Thus, coating of fungal cells with host antibodies has the potential to influence profoundly the host-parasite interaction by affecting antibody-mediated functions such as opsonin-enhanced phagocytosis and blocking the binding activity of fungal adhesins for host ligands. In this review, the various members of the protein and glycoprotein fraction of the C. albicans cell wall that elicit an antibody response in vivo are examined. Although a number of proteins have been shown to stimulate an antibody response, for some of these species the response is not universal. On the other hand, some of the studies demonstrate that certain cell wall antigens and anti-cell wall antibodies may be the basis for developing specific and sensitive serologic tests for the diagnosis of candidasis, particularly the disseminated form. In addition, recent studies have focused on the potential for antibodies to cell wall protein determinants to protect the host against infection. Hence, a better understanding of the humoral response to cell wall antigens of C. albicans may provide the basis for the development of (i) effective procedures for the serodiagnosis of disseminated candidiasis and (ii) novel prophylactic (vaccination) and therapeutic strategies for the management of this type of infection.
Molecular Typing of Enteroviruses: Current Status and Future Requirements
Authors: Muir Peter , Kämmerer Ulrike , Korn Klaus , Mulders Mick N. , Pöyry Tuija , Weissbrich Benedikt , Kandolf Reinhard , Cleator Graham M. , van Loon Anton M. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYHuman enteroviruses have traditionally been typed according to neutralization serotype. This procedure is limited by the difficulty in culturing some enteroviruses, the availability of antisera for serotyping, and the cost and technical complexity of serotyping procedures. Furthermore, the impact of information derived from enterovirus serotyping is generally perceived to be low. Enteroviruses are now increasingly being detected by PCR rather than by culture. Classical typing methods will therefore no longer be possible in most instances. An alternative means of enterovirus typing, employing PCR in conjunction with molecular genetic techniques such as nucleotide sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization, would complement molecular diagnosis, may overcome some of the problems associated with serotyping, and would provide additional information regarding the epidemiology and biological properties of enteroviruses. We argue the case for developing a molecular typing system, discuss the genetic basis of such a system, review the literature describing attempts to identify or classify enteroviruses by molecular methods, and suggest ways in which the goal of molecular typing may be realized.
Gene Therapy for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Bunnell Bruce A. , Morgan Richard A. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYGene therapy is being investigated as an alternative treatment for a wide range of infectious diseases that are not amenable to standard clinical management. Approaches to gene therapy for infectious diseases can be divided into three broad categories: (i) gene therapies based on nucleic acid moieties, including antisense DNA or RNA, RNA decoys, and catalytic RNA moieties (ribozymes); (ii) protein approaches such as transdominant negative proteins and single-chain antibodies; and (iii) immunotherapeutic approaches involving genetic vaccines or pathogen-specific lymphocytes. It is further possible that combinations of the aforementioned approaches will be used simultaneously to inhibit multiple stages of the life cycle of the infectious agent.
Kawasaki Syndrome
Authors: Rowley Anne H. , Shulman Stanford T. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYKawasaki syndrome (KS) is an acute, sometimes fatal vasculitis of young children. KS has replaced acute rheumatic fever as the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. The illness is manifested by prolonged fever, conjunctival injection, enanthem, exanthem, erythema and swelling of the hands and feet, and cervical adenopathy. These acute features of illness are self-limiting, but coronary artery abnormalities occur in 20% of untreated patients. The etiology of the illness is unknown, but its clinical and epidemiologic features are most consistent with an infectious cause. Common cardiovascular manifestations of the illness include myocarditis, pericardial effusion, and coronary artery aneurysm formation. Treatment with intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) and aspirin within the first 10 days of illness reduces the prevalence of coronary artery abnormalities from 20% in those treated with aspirin alone to 4%. Patients who develop coronary artery aneurysms, particularly those who develop giant coronary artery aneurysms, may suffer myocardial infarction secondary to thrombosis or stenosis in the abnormal vessel. Additional research to determine the cause of KS is urgently needed to allow for improved diagnosis, more specific therapy, and prevention of the disorder.
Serum Therapy for Tuberculosis Revisited: Reappraisal of the Role of Antibody-Mediated Immunity againstMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Glatman-Freedman Aharona , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYFifty years after the introduction of the first effective antimicrobial agents against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this pathogen continues to be a tremendous public health problem. The rise in the number of resistant strains and the difficulties involved in the therapy of tuberculosis in immunocompromised AIDS patients have renewed the interest in the development of effective vaccines. To evaluate whether a potential vaccine against tuberculosis could prevent infection by eliciting a protective antibody response, we reviewed the history of antibody-mediated immunity against tuberculosis. Review of the literature of the past 100 years demonstrates that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that antibody-mediated immunity can modify the course of infection in certain situations. Based on our findings and on what is known in other systems, we propose that the role of antibody-mediated immunity to M. tuberculosis be reexamined, using advanced technology.
The Evolutionary Biology and Population Genetics Underlying Fungal Strain Typing
Authors: Taylor John W. , Geiser David M. , Burt Austin , Koufopanou Vassiliki 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARY
Strain typing of medically important fungi and fungal population genetics have been stimulated by new methods of tapping DNA variation. The aim of this contribution is to show how awareness of fungal population genetics can increase the utility of strain typing to better serve the interests of medical mycology. Knowing two basic features of fungal population biology, the mode of reproduction and genetic differentiation or isolation, can give medical mycologists information about the intraspecific groups that are worth identifying and the number and type of markers that would be needed to do so. The same evolutionary information can be just as valuable for the selection of fungi for development and testing of pharmaceuticals or vaccines. The many methods of analyzing DNA variation are evaluated in light of the need for polymorphic loci that are well characterized, simple, independent, and stable. Traditional population genetic and new phylogenetic methods for analyzing mode of reproduction, genetic differentiation, and isolation are reviewed. Strain typing and population genetic reports are examined for six medically important species: Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and A. flavus. Research opportunities in the areas of genomics, correlation of clinical variation with genetic variation, amount of recombination, and standardization of approach are suggested.
Intranasal Antibody Prophylaxis for Protection against Viral Disease
Authors: Weltzin Richard , Monath Thomas P. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYFor more than a century, antibody has been used for passive parenteral immunization against viral and bacterial pathogens. This approach has been successful for prevention of viral respiratory infection and has led to testing of intranasal or aerosol delivery of antibody to passively immunize the respiratory tract mucosal surface. Mucosal delivery may be advantageous because it allows the antibody to neutralize the virus particles before they initiate infection and because it concentrates the antibody where viral replication takes place. Animal studies have shown the feasibility of passive intranasal immunization against a number of respiratory tract viruses. Development of nasal antibody treatments for humans is under way, and early clinical studies have confirmed that this approach is safe and can be used to prevent respiratory tract disease. Polyclonal human immunoglobulin from pooled plasma preparations can be used to provide broad protection against a number of different pathogens, while monoclonal antibodies or their fragments can be used to target specific viruses.
Cellular Biology of Prion Diseases
Authors: Harris David A. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARY

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of humans and animals that are important because of their impact on public health and because they exemplify a novel mechanism of infectivity and biological information transfer. These diseases are caused by conformational conversion of a normal host glycoprotein (PrP
C
) into an infectious isoform (PrP
Sc
) that is devoid of nucleic acid. This review focuses on the current understanding of prion diseases at the cell biological level. The characteristics of the diseases are introduced, and a brief history and description of the prion hypothesis are given. Information is then presented about the structure, expression, biosynthesis, and possible function of PrP
C
, as well as its posttranslational processing, cellular localization, and trafficking. The latest findings concerning PrP
Sc
are then discussed, including cell culture systems used to generate this pathogenic isoform, the subcellular distribution of the protein, its membrane attachment, proteolytic processing, and its kinetics and sites of synthesis. Information is also provided on molecular models of the PrP
C
→PrP
Sc
conversion reaction and the possible role of cellular chaperones. The review concludes with suggestions of several important avenues for future investigation.
Developments in Fungal Taxonomy
Authors: Guarro Josep , Gené Josepa , Stchigel Alberto M. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYFungal infections, especially those caused by opportunistic species, have become substantially more common in recent decades. Numerous species cause human infections, and several new human pathogens are discovered yearly. This situation has created an increasing interest in fungal taxonomy and has led to the development of new methods and approaches to fungal biosystematics which have promoted important practical advances in identification procedures. However, the significance of some data provided by the new approaches is still unclear, and results drawn from such studies may even increase nomenclatural confusion. Analyses of rRNA and rDNA sequences constitute an important complement of the morphological criteria needed to allow clinical fungi to be more easily identified and placed on a single phylogenetic tree. Most of the pathogenic fungi so far described belong to the kingdom Fungi; two belong to the kingdom Chromista. Within the Fungi, they are distributed in three phyla and in 15 orders (Pneumocystidales, Saccharomycetales, Dothideales, Sordariales, Onygenales, Eurotiales, Hypocreales, Ophiostomatales, Microascales, Tremellales, Poriales, Stereales, Agaricales, Schizophyllales, and Ustilaginales).
Antifungal Activities of Antineoplastic Agents:Saccharomyces cerevisiaeas a Model System To Study Drug Action
Authors: Cardenas Maria E. , Cruz M. Cristina , Del Poeta Maurizio , Chung Namjin , Perfect John R. , Heitman Joseph 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYRecent evolutionary studies reveal that microorganisms including yeasts and fungi are more closely related to mammals than was previously appreciated. Possibly as a consequence, many natural-product toxins that have antimicrobial activity are also toxic to mammalian cells. While this makes it difficult to discover antifungal agents without toxic side effects, it also has enabled detailed studies of drug action in simple genetic model systems. We review here studies on the antifungal actions of antineoplasmic agents. Topics covered include the mechanisms of action of inhibitors of topoisomerases I and II; the immunosuppressants rapamycin, cyclosporin A, and FK506; the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin; the angiogenesis inhibitors fumagillin and ovalicin; the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin; and agents that inhibit sphingolipid metabolism. In general, these natural products inhibit target proteins conserved from microorganisms to humans. These studies highlight the potential of microorganisms as screening tools to elucidate the mechanisms of action of novel pharmacological agents with unique effects against specific mammalian cell types, including neoplastic cells. In addition, this analysis suggests that antineoplastic agents and derivatives might find novel indications in the treatment of fungal infections, for which few agents are presently available, toxicity remains a serious concern, and drug resistance is emerging.
Methods for Subtyping and Molecular Comparison of Human Viral Genomes
Authors: Arens Max 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYThe development over the past two decades of molecular methods for manipulation of RNA and DNA has afforded molecular virologists the ability to study viral genomes in detail that has heretofore not been possible. There are many molecular techniques now available for typing and subtyping of viruses. The available methods include restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, Southern blot analysis, oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis, reverse hybridization, DNA enzyme immunoassay, RNase protection analysis, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, heteroduplex mobility assay, nucleotide sequencing, and genome segment length polymorphism analysis. The methods have certain advantages and disadvantages which should be considered in their application to specific viruses or for specific purposes. These techniques are likely to become more widely used in the future for epidemiologic studies and for investigations into the pathophysiology of virus infections.