37 research outputs found
Sensations of skin infestation linked to abnormal frontolimbic brain reactivity and differences in self-representation
Some patients experience skin sensations of infestation and contamination that are elusive to proximate dermatological explanation. We undertook a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain to demonstrate, for the first time, that central processing of infestation-relevant stimuli is altered in patients with such abnormal skin sensations. We show differences in neural activity within amygdala, insula, middle temporal lobe and frontal cortices. Patients also demonstrated altered measures of self-representation, with poorer sensitivity to internal bodily (interoceptive) signals and greater susceptibility to take on an illusion of body ownership: the rubber hand illusion. Together, these findings highlight a potential model for the maintenance of abnormal skin sensations, encompassing heightened threat processing within amygdala, increased salience of skin representations within insula and compromised prefrontal capacity for self-regulation and appraisal
Tree method for quantum vortex dynamics
We present a numerical method to compute the evolution of vortex filaments in
superfluid helium. The method is based on a tree algorithm which considerably
speeds up the calculation of Biot-Savart integrals. We show that the
computational cost scales as Nlog{(N) rather than N squared, where is the
number of discretization points. We test the method and its properties for a
variety of vortex configurations, ranging from simple vortex rings to a
counterflow vortex tangle, and compare results against the Local Induction
Approximation and the exact Biot-Savart law.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure
The sensitivity of the vortex filament method to different reconnection models
We present a detailed analysis on the effect of using different algorithms to
model the reconnection of vortices in quantum turbulence, using the
thin-filament approach. We examine differences between four main algorithms for
the case of turbulence driven by a counterflow. In calculating the velocity
field we use both the local induction approximation (LIA) and the full
Biot-Savart integral. We show that results of Biot-Savart simulations are not
sensitive to the particular reconnection method used, but LIA results are.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure
Variety of Methodological Approach in Economics
It has been argued by some that the distinction between orthodox economics and heterodox economics does not fit the growing variety in economic theory, unified by a common methodological approach. On the other hand, it remains a central characteristic of heterodox economics that it does not share this methodological approach, but rather represents a range of alternative methodological approaches. The paper explores the evidence, and arguments, for variety in economics at different levels, and a range of issues which arise. This requires in turn a discussion of the meaning of variety in economics at the different levels of reality, methodology, method and theory. It is concluded that there is scope for more, rather than less, variety in economic methodologies, as well as within methodologies. Further, if variety is not to take the form of “anything goes”, then critical discussion by economists of different approaches to economics, and of variety itself, is required
Seed germination performances of Styrax species help understand their distribution in Cerrado areas in Brazil
Does thermal time for germination vary among populations of a tree legume (Peltophorum dubium)?
Efeitos do estresse hídrico sobre o desempenho germinativo da semente de faveira (Clitoria fairchildiana R.A. Howard. - Fabaceae) de diferentes tamanhos
Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19
Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease
An analysis of qualitative responses from a UK survey of the psychosocial wellbeing of people with skin conditions and their experiences of accessing psychological support
Background
Skin conditions have a large emotional, psychological and psychiatric impact on the individual. The ‘All-Party Parliamentary Group on Skin’ (APPGS) commissioned a qualitative survey in order to further explore this relationship alongside the experiences of those accessing services in relation to these difficulties in the UK.
Objectives
To examine the experiences of UK individuals living with a skin condition and their views of seeking and receiving psychological treatment. This survey formed part of the evidence collected in the preparation of the APPGS, Mental Health and Skin Disease report.
Methods
A free-text electronic survey was widely distributed by professional bodies and skin related charities. Responses were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Data for each question was classified and labelled, leading to the development of a coding frame. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa.
Results
Five hundred and forty four participants (84% female) completed the survey. The majority of respondents had inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema (43%) or psoriasis (33%). The thematic analysis revealed five key themes associated with: impact on mood; impact of intimacy; impact on activities of daily living; lack of recognition from others of impact; lack of accessible services.
Conclusions
The survey demonstrates that there is an urgent need to improve both awareness of the impact that skin conditions can have, and for the provision of psychological services to address this impact