bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Aintree LOSS, a community‐based, multidisciplinary weight management service: outcomes and predictors of engagement
Authors: Steele T. , Narayanan R. P. , James M. , James J. , Mazey N. , Wilding J. P. H. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAintree LOSS is a community‐based, multidisciplinary weight management programme for patients with severe and complex obesity, focusing on a flexible and individualized service with follow‐up for up to 2 years. We evaluated all 2472 patients referred to the service between October 2009 and 2013. Demographic data were recorded at baseline, with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) used to measure socioeconomic deprivation. Weight was recorded at each visit. Mean body mass index at baseline was 45.6 (standard deviation 6.8), and 58.9% of patients lived in areas in the most deprived decile nationally. Of 2315 appropriate referrals, 1249 (55.1%) attended >2 visits; mean final weight loss was 3.50 ± 8.55 kg, and 24.1% achieved ≥5% weight loss. Of the patients, 754 (33.3%) attended for over 6 months; mean final weight loss was 4.94 ± 10 kg, and 34% achieved 5% weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed increasing age, residence in a less deprived area and sleep apnoea to be independently associated with attendance for >6 months, and there was a linear relationship between 6‐month attendance and deprivation quintile. Year‐on‐year analyses showed improvement in engagement over time, coinciding with efforts to improve access to the service. This work shows a multidisciplinary, community‐based weight loss programme prioritizing a fully flexible and individualized approach functioning effectively in real‐world practice. Maintaining engagement remains a challenge in weight loss programmes, and our results suggest younger patients living in areas with greater deprivation should be a target for efforts to improve engagement.
Update on the clinical use of kinase inhibitors in melanoma
Authors: Cosgarea Ioana , Ritter Cathrin , Becker Jürgen C. , Schadendorf Dirk , Ugurel Selma 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe identification of targetable molecules in cellular signaling pathways represents a milestone in the treatment of melanoma. Selective inhibitors of these molecules, known as phosphokinases, allow for individual signaling pathways to be “switched off”. This is of particular importance for tumors in which these pathways are constitutively activated by mutations in genes encoding said molecules. Especially patients with BRAF‐mutated melanomas significantly benefit from kinase inhibitor therapies, with the current standard of combined BRAF and MEK inhibition providing very good long‐term disease control. Such regimens have been shown to achieve a progression‐free survival of more than ten months and an overall survival of more than two years, along with good quality of life. Given that the majority of patients develop secondary resistance during long‐term kinase inhibitor therapy, current clinical trials are geared towards finding suitable drug combinations including inhibitors of other signaling pathways as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The present review highlights targeted therapies for melanoma currently available as well as potential future options presently under clinical investigation.
Sam Moyo: A Life of Prodigious Scholarship, Institution Building and Strategic Activism
Authors: Tsikata Dzodzi 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe car accident that took Sam Moyo's life in Delhi on 22 November 2015 and injured his comrades Paris Yeros and Marcelo Rosa, cut short a scholar at the height of his powers. Working together with a group of like‐minded colleagues, Sam had finally built the foundations of a vibrant tri‐continental network that could hold his dreams: the Agrarian South Network. He was in Delhi at a conference on ‘Labour Questions in the Global South’, hosted by Praveen Jha, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, one of his two closest intellectual partners — the other, of course, being Yeros. The conference, like earlier gatherings in Sao Paulo and Brasilia, was an opportunity to coordinate meetings of the Network and its journal, Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy. As it turned out, a meeting of the journal's editorial board was Sam's last activity before the accident.
African communal basis for autonomy and life choices
Authors: Ikuenobe Polycarp 
Published: September 2017

AbstractI argue that the metaphysical capacity of autonomy is not intrinsically valuable; it is valuable only when used in relation to a community's values and instrumentally for making the proper choices that will promote one's own and the community's well‐being. I use the example of the choice to take one's life by suicide to illuminate this view. I articulate a plausible African conception of personhood as a basis for the idea of relational autonomy. I argue that this conception is better understood as a social‐moral thesis, and not a metaphysical thesis. A metaphysical thesis gives an account of the abstract nature of an atomic individual, his agency, and rational choice. The social‐moral thesis indicates that personhood and autonomy are positive and relational to the life plans, well‐being, material conditions, and the best means for achieving them that are made available and possible by harmonious living in a community. This idea of autonomy is not just having the capacity of freewill; it also involves how such freewill is used, in terms of how an individual's choices are guided by internalized communal values.
HYPOTHESES, GENERALIZATIONS, AND CONVERGENCE: SOME PEIRCEAN THEMES IN THE STUDY OF HISTORY
Authors: GRIGORIEV SERGE 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThis essay examines the relationship among some key elements of Charles Sanders Peirce's general theory of scientific inquiry (such as final causality, real possibility, methodological convergence, abductive reasoning, hypothesis formation, and diagrammatic idealization) and some prominent issues discussed in the current philosophy of history, especially those pertaining to the role of generalizations in historical explanation. The claim is that, appropriately construed, Peirce's recommendations with respect to rational inquiry in general can provide a reasonable basis for formulating a productive critical method for a responsible philosophy of history. The essay further seeks to reduce the tension between Peirce's interest in epistemic convergence and the arguments that champion the value of historical distance and perspectival pluralism. On the account offered, the kind of methodological convergence envisioned by Peirce need not conflict necessarily with a responsibly construed historical pluralism. On the other hand, the critical perspective of an epistemically disciplined philosophical inquiry may prove indispensable in weeding out wishful but unrealistic ideological perspectives from the writing of history. Hence, the resulting proposal envisions the critique of historical imagination as one potentially viable modality for the pragmatist philosophy of history.
4. PARTISANS AND POPULATIONS: THE PLACE OF CIVILIANS IN WAR, ALGERIA (1954–62)
Authors: BROWER BENJAMIN CLAUDE 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTCarl Schmitt's influential text The Theory of the Partisan (1963) serves in this article to read the history of civilians in modern warfare, examining the case of Algeria (1954–62). Schmitt's argument that the partisan leads to a dangerous conceptual blurring in war, confusing soldier and civilian, friend and enemy, reveals important questions about the war, questions that are otherwise invisible in conventional readings of the archives. Notably it places in relief the figure of the “population,” a way that the French military conceptualized Algerian civilians and their place on the battlefield. The article argues that the population, as constituted in military theory, needs to be understood as the partisan's partner in contributing to the normlessness of violence. This offers both a new reading of the war in Algeria and the violence suffered by civilians, as well as a correction to Schmitt's politically one‐sided explanation of the problem of normlessness and modern warfare. Whereas Schmitt's revolutionary partisan is a figure of the left, the notion of the population originated among counter‐revolutionary French officers who rethought war in an effort to stop decolonization and reshape their own society along military lines. For them Algerian civilians served as a primary weapon against the National Liberation Front (FLN) by breaking up the nationalists’ claim to lead a single, undivided, and sovereign Algerian people. In effect, the notion of the population made Algerian civilians appear as potential enemies to the FLN, blurring the nationalists’ own understanding of the political configuration of the war, directly exposing civilians to its violence.
HISTORY AND ITS DEAD
Authors: Ruin Hans 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThomas Laqueur has brought together half a century of research on modern European mortuary culture into an impressive narrative of how the Christian churchyard was replaced by the modern cemetery, how interment was partly replaced by the technology of cremation, and how writing and preserving the names of the dead coincided with democratization and social reform. Beyond the grand narrative of the history of modern burial, he also shows how the modern culture of history and memory is intertwined with the transformation of mortuary practices. On a deeper level, he points toward new ways of conceptualizing the relation between the living and the dead, leading up toward, if not fully confronting, the challenge that propels his own endeavor, namely the existential‐ontological predicament of living after those who have been and the nature of spectrality.
Natural history of pancreatic cystic lesions: A multicenter prospective observational study for evaluating the risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ohno Eizaburo , Hirooka Yoshiki , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishikawa Takuya , Kanamori Akira , Ishikawa Hideki , Sasaki Yoji , Nonogaki Koji , Hara Kazuo , Hashimoto Senju , Matsubara Hiroshi , Hirai Takanori , Sumi Hajime , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Goto Hidemi ,   NSPINAL study group
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study is to elucidate the natural history of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), including branch duct‐type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD‐IPMN), via midterm follow‐up analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study (NSPINAL study).MethodsFrom July 2011 to October 2016, 881 patients with PCLs were enrolled in NSPINAL study, and 664 patients with > 12 months of follow up were analyzed. Every patient was asymptomatic, and endoscopic ultrasound was performed at the initial diagnosis to exclude high‐risk individuals. Follow up included endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging at least once a year. Serial morphological changes and the pancreatic cancer (PC) incidence, including malignant progression of PCLs, were evaluated.ResultsThe 664 patients (358 men) were followed for a median of 33.5 months (interquartile range 29). The cyst and main pancreatic duct sizes were 16.6 ± 9.3 and 2.3 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Morphologically, 518 cases were multilocular, 137 were unilocular, and 9 had a honeycomb pattern; 269 cases involved multifocal lesions. Ninety‐six patients (14.5%) showed worsening progression on imaging. There were two resectable and four unresectable cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and three cases of malignant BD‐IPMN. The 3‐year risk of developing PC was 1.2%. The standardized incidence ratio for PC among PCLs was 10.0 (95% confidence interval 3.5–16.5), and the standardized incidence ratio among BD‐IPMN was 16.6 (95% confidence interval 5.1–28.1). Multivariate analysis showed that development of symptoms and worsening progression were significant predictors of PC.ConclusionsMalignant progression of PCLs, including PC development, is not uncommon. Patients with PCLs should be carefully monitored to detect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at early stages.
Increased enteric glial cells in proximal margin of resection is associated with postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease
Authors: Li Yi , Ge Yuanyuan , Zhu Weiming , Gong Jianfeng , Cao Lei , Guo Zhen , Gu Lili , Li Jieshou 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe enteric nervous system can amplify or modulate intestinal inflammation through secretion of neuropeptides, and enteric glial cells have been implicated in the pathophysiology of Crohn's disease. The goal of the study was to search for an association between the density of neurons, neuropeptides, and enteric glial cells and postoperative recurrence.MethodsThe ileal proximal uninflamed section from ileocolonic sample was studied using immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and the glial marker protein S100. The density in the submucosa was calculated, and the relationship of the density of VIP, SP, NSE, and S100 and postoperative disease recurrence was assessed.ResultsThere were no significant differences between patients with and without postoperative endoscopic recurrence or clinical recurrence for the density of NSE‐positive, VIP‐positive, or SP‐positive neurons in the proximal margin. Interestingly, the density of S100‐positive enteric glial cells was significantly increased in patients with endoscopic and clinical recurrence than in subjects without disease recurrence (P ˂ 0.001). The density of S100‐positive enteric glial cells was independently associated with postoperative disease recurrence.ConclusionsIncreased S100‐positive enteric glial cells are associated with a high risk of both endoscopic and clinical recurrence after surgery. These findings have implications in individualized postoperative prophylaxis for Crohn's disease.
Discounting and welfare evaluation of policies
Authors: Mertens Jean‐François , Rubinchik Anna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe start with the premise that if policy discounting is to have any welfare relevance, one has to accept it being a derivative of a social welfare function (SWF). We show that if that derivative is to have a net present value (NPV) form, then the baseline allocation must be stationary. In addition, we show that at a stationary baseline in an overlapping generations growth economy, the intergenerationally fair discount rate equals the growth rate of per‐capita consumption, which is, roughly, 2% for the United States. This differs from the interest rate, even in the golden rule equilibrium, unless population growth is null. The last result is based on the main theorem in Mertens and Rubinchik (2012) and is demonstrated for a policy space that might naturally arise in applications.
Immunogenicity assessment during the development of protein therapeutics
Authors: Rosenberg Amy S , Sauna Zuben E 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objective
Here we provide a critical review of the state of the art with respect to non-clinical assessments of immunogenicity for therapeutic proteins.

Key findings
The number of studies on immunogenicity published annually has more than doubled in the last 5 years. The science and technology, which have reached a critical mass, provide multiple of non-clinical approaches (computational, in vitro, ex vivo and animal models) to first predict and then to modify or eliminate T-cell or B-cell epitopes via de-immunization strategies. We discuss how these may be used in the context of drug development in assigning the immunogenicity risk of new and marketed therapeutic proteins.

Summary
Protein therapeutics represents a large share of the pharma market and provide medical interventions for some of the most complex and intractable diseases. Immunogenicity (the development of antibodies to therapeutic proteins) is an important concern for both the safety and efficacy of protein therapeutics as immune responses may neutralize the activity of life-saving and highly effective protein therapeutics and induce hypersensitivity responses including anaphylaxis. The non-clinical computational tools and experimental technologies that offer a comprehensive and increasingly accurate estimation of immunogenic potential are surveyed here. This critical review also discusses technologies which are promising but are not as yet ready for routine use.
Current and novel anti-inflammatory drug targets for inhibition of cytokines and leucocyte recruitment in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Szollosi Doreen E , Manzoor Mohammed K , Aquilato Andrea , Jackson Patricia , Ghoneim Ola M , Edafiogho Ivan O 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Many studies of disease state mechanisms reveal that unbridled inflammation is to blame for many of the symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). While therapies aimed at decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines exist, some have failed clinically or have extensive adverse effects. The aim of this review is to discuss common drug targets for anti-inflammatory therapies as well as explore potential mechanisms of action for new therapies. Various studies done on novel mechanisms targeting pro-inflammatory cytokine release as well as leukocyte chemotaxis have been researched for discussion here. Both of these contribute to tissue injury and patient symptoms in inflammatory and autoimmune disease states.

Key findings
While many current drug targets suppress inflammation via the receptor, research aimed at identifying new compounds and signaling mechanisms is ongoing to identify new targets within pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, or specific immune cell types.

Conclusions
While glucocorticoids and monoclonal antibodies have shown to be efficacious, some patients have encountered mixed results. Biologic therapies also come with a high price tag Thus, novel compounds with new immune drug targets are ideal for patients whose therapies have not been successful.
An invasive predator affects habitat use by native prey: American mink and water vole co‐existence in riparian habitats
Authors: Brzeziński M. , Ignatiuk P. , Żmihorski M. , Zalewski A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study examines the occurrence of invasive American mink Neovison vison and native water voles Arvicola amphibius along the shorelines of eutrophic lakes and at small midfield ponds in the Mazurian Lakeland, north‐east (NE) Poland. The main hypothesis tested in this study is that built‐up areas and small midfield ponds are avoided by mink; therefore, they can serve as refuges that protect water voles from mink predation. Floating rafts were used to monitor mink and water vole distribution. Mink presence was negatively associated with urbanization at lake shorelines and midfield ponds, and these two characteristics positively correlated with occurrence of water voles in the study area. The probability of occurrence of water voles was significantly lower at sites where mink occurred. The occupancy rates for mink at lakes and at midfield ponds were higher in autumn than in spring and conversely the occupancy rates for water voles were higher in spring and lower in autumn. Our study shows that within a postglacial landscape, urban areas and midfield ponds distant from lakes are avoided by the American mink and thus these areas may function as refuge habitats for water voles and may maintain populations of this rodent at the landscape scale despite the presence of mink.
Birth weight, early life weight gain and age at menarche: a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Juul F. , Chang V. W. , Brar P. , Parekh N. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackground and objectiveAdiposity in pre‐ and postnatal life may influence menarcheal age. Existing evidence is primarily cross‐sectional, failing to address temporality, for which the role of adiposity in early life remains unclear. The current study sought to systematically review longitudinal studies evaluating the associations between birth weight and infant/childhood weight status/weight gain in relation to menarcheal age.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health (Ovid) and CINAHL were systematically searched. Selected studies were limited to English‐language articles presenting multi‐variable analyses. Seventeen studies reporting risk estimates for birth weight (n = 3), infant/childhood weight gain/weight status (n = 4) or both (n = 10), in relation to menarcheal age were included.ResultsLower vs. higher birth weight was associated with earlier menarche in nine studies and later menarche in one study, while three studies reported a null association. Greater BMI or weight gain over time and greater childhood weight were significantly associated with earlier menarche in nine of nine and six of seven studies, respectively.ConclusionsStudies suggested that lower birth weight and higher body weight and weight gain in infancy and childhood may increase the risk of early menarche. The pre‐ and postnatal period may thus be an opportune time for weight control interventions to prevent early menarche, and its subsequent consequences.
Assembly and analysis of a qingke reference genome demonstrate its close genetic relation to modern cultivated barley
Authors: Dai Fei , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Xiao‐Qi , Chen Zhonghua , Nevo Eviatar , Jin Gulei , Wu Dezhi , Li Chengdao , Zhang Guoping 
Published: September 2017

SummaryQingke, the local name of hulless barley in the Tibetan Plateau, is a staple food for Tibetans. The availability of its reference genome sequences could be useful for studies on breeding and molecular evolution. Taking advantage of the third‐generation sequencer (PacBio), we de novo assembled a 4.84‐Gb genome sequence of qingke, cv. Zangqing320 and anchored a 4.59‐Gb sequence to seven chromosomes. Of the 46,787 annotated ‘high‐confidence’ genes, 31 564 were validated by RNA‐sequencing data of 39 wild and cultivated barley genotypes with wide genetic diversity, and the results were also confirmed by nonredundant protein database from NCBI. As some gaps in the reference genome of Morex were covered in the reference genome of Zangqing320 by PacBio reads, we believe that the Zangqing320 genome provides the useful supplements for the Morex genome. Using the qingke genome as a reference, we conducted a genome comparison, revealing a close genetic relationship between a hulled barley (cv. Morex) and a hulless barley (cv. Zangqing320), which is strongly supported by the low‐diversity regions in the two genomes. Considering the origin of Morex from its breeding pedigree, we then demonstrated a close genomic relationship between modern cultivated barley and qingke. Given this genomic relationship and the large genetic diversity between qingke and modern cultivated barley, we propose that qingke could provide elite genes for barley improvement.