bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen-bonded molecular salts of reduced benzothiazole derivatives with carboxylates: a robust R_{2}^{2}(8) supramolecular motif (even when disordered)
Authors: Shaibah Mohammed A. E. , Sagar Belakavadi K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Harrison William T. A.
Published: January 2019

The syntheses and structures of five molecular salts of protonated 4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-3a,5,6,7a-tetrahydrobenzothiazol-2-ylamine (C11H19N2S+) with different deprotonated carboxylic acids (4-methylbenzoic acid, 4-bromobenzoic acid, 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, fumaric acid and succinic acid) are reported, namely 2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium 4-methylbenzoate, C11H19N2S+·C8H7O2
−, (I), 2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium 4-bromobenzoate, C11H19N2S+·C7H4BrO2
−, (II), 2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, C11H19N2S+·C7H3N2O6
−, (III), bis(2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium) fumarate, 2C11H19N2S+·C4H2O4
2−,(IV), and the 1:1 co-crystal of bis(2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium) succinate and 2-amino-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium hydrogen succinate 4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-3a,5,6,7a-tetrahydrobenzothiazol-2-ylamine, 1.5C11H19N2S+·0.5C4H4O4
2−·0.5C4H5O4
−. 0.5C11H18N2S, (V). In every case, the cation protonation occurs at the N atom of the thiazole ring and the six-membered ring adopts a half-chair conformation (in some cases, the deviating methylene groups are disordered over two sets of sites). The C—N bond lengths of the nominal –NH+=C—NH2 fragment of the cation are indistinguishable, indicating a significant contribution of the –NH—C=N+H2 resonance form to the structure. The packing for (I)–(V) features a robust local R
2
2(8) loop motif in which the cation forms two near-linear N—H...O hydrogen bonds from the N+—H group and syn H atom of the amine group to the carboxylate group of an adjacent anion [(V) shows disorder of one of these bonds over N—H...O and N...H—O contributors but the same R
2
2(8) loop results for both disorder components]. The anti H atom of the –NH2 group also forms an N—H...O hydrogen bond, which results in [001] chains in (I) and (II), isolated centrosymmetric tetramers in (III) and [100] chains in (IV) and (V). Hirshfeld fingerprint plots and contact percentages for the different types of contacts of the cations are discussed.
Structural studies of a surface-entropy reduction mutant of O-GlcNAcase
Authors: Males Alexandra , Davies Gideon J.
Published: January 2019

The enzyme O-GlcNAcase catalyses the removal of the O-GlcNAc co/post-translational modification in multicellular eukaryotes. The enzyme has become of acute interest given the intimate role of O-GlcNAcylation in tau modification and stability; small-molecular inhibitors of human O-GlcNAcase are under clinical assessment for the treatment of tauopathies. Given the importance of structure-based and mechanism-based inhibitor design for O-GlcNAcase, it was sought to test whether different crystal forms of the human enzyme could be achieved by surface mutagenesis. Guided by surface-entropy reduction, a Glu602Ala/Glu605Ala variant [on the Gly11–Gln396/Lys535–Tyr715 construct; Rothet al.(2017),Nature Chem. Biol.13, 610–612] was obtained which led to a new crystal form of the human enzyme. An increase in crystal contacts stabilized disordered regions of the protein, enabling 88% of the structure to be modelled; only 83% was possible for the wild-type construct. Although the binding of the C-terminus was consistent with the wild type, Lys713 in monomerAwas bound in the −1 subsite of the symmetry-related monomerAand the active sites of theBmonomers were vacant. The new crystal form presents an opportunity for enhanced soaking experiments that are essential to understanding the binding mechanism and substrate specificity of O-GlcNAcase.
Behaviour and adaptive functioning in children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a UK study
Authors: Sakano Mari , Mukherjee Raja , Turk Jeremy
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the profiles of behaviours and adaptive functioning in the UK children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 106 participants registered from 2005 to 2015 were extracted from a clinic database. In total, 99 individuals with confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), aged from 5 to 25 years, were analysed using scaled scores of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition (VABS-II), and the Developmental Behaviour Checklist-Primary Carer Version (DBC-P) and Teacher Version (DBC-T). Differences due to age, gender, IQ and family structure (adopted/living with birth parents) were also explored.

Findings

The mean composite adaptive behaviour score on the VABS-II was classified as “low” at 68.2 (SD=8.5), with the socialisation domain being the most impaired. Significantly lower VABS-II composite scores were found in individuals with lower IQ’s, older ages and in males. Disruptive behaviours were the most commonly observed on the DBCs, whereas primary carers scored significantly higher than teachers across all subscales. IQ, age and gender were not associated with the total percentile scores of both DBCs. Adoption made no differences compared to living with birth parents.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies would replicate these findings in a larger sample size including individuals without PAE and those living with birth parents.

Originality/value

This study is the first UK report that examines this issue.
Over-indebtedness and its welfare effect on households
Authors: Mutsonziwa Kingstone , Fanta Ashenafi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Although credit plays a crucial role in modern society, the increased availability of credit is partly responsible for higher levels of debt burden and household over-indebtedness. However, despite the serious consequences of over-indebtedness on household welfare our understanding of the factors that determine over-indebtedness and the link between over-indebtedness and poverty is limited. The purpose of this paper is therefore to identify drivers of over-indebtedness at an individual level and its link with poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed the determinants of over-indebtedness and its links with poverty employing a binary logistic regression model using data on 51,359 individuals from 11 economies in the Southern Africa Development Community.

Findings

The results suggest that over-indebtedness is driven by, among others, lack of credit literacy, cross-borrowing and income. The results also suggest that over-indebtedness is likely to impoverish the indebted.

Practical implications

Policies that encourage access to financial services such as credit should be designed such that increased financial inclusion does not aggravate poverty and inequality.

Originality/value

The authors used a unique financial inclusion survey that reports data on financial inclusion and poverty measures to identify the determinants of over-indebtedness and its link with poverty.
University and graduates employability
Authors: Pouratashi Mahtab , Zamani Asghar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

A graduate must be qualified in order to be successful in the labor market. Hence, embedding employability into higher education is a priority of policymakers and universities. The purpose of this paper is to promote students’ employability skills deal with the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is accomplished in three phases, and qualitative and quantitative approaches were conducted. Data were collected from 14 entrepreneurs and experts in the field of business and 150 faculty members from the main academic categories (including: engineering, humanities, agriculture and veterinary, science, and art).

Findings

The findings revealed that employability skills of students could be totally classified in three categories (basic, intermediate and advance) and five levels. Also, factor analysis regarding university activities to develop students’ employability skills showed five activities including: support, cultural, informing, research and educational activities.

Practical implications

The results can be beneficial for universities’ plan activities and offer proper services that enhance students’ skills for their future career. Also, the findings can be fruitful for higher education policymakers to find the right way to foster employability issues at universities. Mechanisms such as employers’ participation in curriculum development and work-based learning are useful in ensuring a good match between the supply of skills and the demand for skills.

Originality/value

This study classified graduates’ employability skills in basic, intermediate and advance categories. Another important contribution of this study was the proposed paths for improving each level of employability skills, enabling universities to be aware of the proper activities for each skills enhancement.
The psychosocial experience of UK immigration detention
Authors: Hollis Jake
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Existing quantitative research demonstrates negatively impacted mental health outcomes for people detained in immigration removal centres (IRCs) in the UK. However, there is limited qualitative research on the phenomenology of life inside UK IRCs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychosocial stressors experienced by people in detention, the psychological impacts of being detained and the ways in which people express resilience and cope in detention.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with nine people who had previously been held in UK IRCs. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Participants experienced incredulity and cognitive dissonance at being detained, and found themselves deprived of communication and healthcare needs. These stressors led participants to feel powerless, doubt themselves and their worldviews, and ruminate about their uncertain futures. However, participants also demonstrated resilience, and used proactive behaviours, spirituality and personal relationships to cope in detention. Antonovsky’s (1979) theory on wellbeing – sense of coherence – was found to have particular explanatory value for these findings.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of participants used in this study was skewed towards male, Iranian asylum seekers, and the findings therefore may have less applicability to the experiences of females, ex-prisoners and people from different geographical and cultural backgrounds.

Originality/value

This study offers a range of new insights into how detention in the UK impacts on people’s lives. The findings may be useful to policy makers who legislate on and regulate the UK immigration detention system, as well as custodial staff and health and social care practitioners working in IRCs.
Linking relationship quality and resourcefulness to group performance
Authors: Nasim Kanwal , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid Zahid
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to know that how group resources (internal and external) and the relationship quality among group members relate to group performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the normative nature of group performance, the study is carried out in a contrived environment. Participants were 204 master of business administration students who were allocated to 51 study groups. Data were collected in three waves and from two different sources, i.e., students and instructors. Data analysis was carried out by employing regression analysis and the bootstrapping procedure, i.e., PROCESS.

Findings

The results of this paper reveal that an individual-level internal resource, i.e. time, positively predicts group performance, while group-level internal resources, i.e., group composition and group members’ experience, negatively predict group performance. Both external resources (external communication and instructor’s support) are found to have a positive effect on group performance. The relationship quality among group members partially relates to group performance. Instructor’s support as an external resource is found to moderate the relationship between only two aspects of relationship quality and group performance.

Practical implications

This study provides guidance to group members as to how they can utilize internal and external group resources and their relationship quality for enhancing their group performance. Managers in varied organizations can also utilize the findings of this study.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that it offers a new insight into internal and external resources and relationship quality, that is, from the perspective of group performance. The group resources included in the study are rarely found in the existing literature.
Mediating role of quality performance on the association between organisational factors and competitive advantage
Authors: Ferdousi Farhana , Baird Kevin , Munir Rahat , Su Sophia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial empirical insight into the mediating role of quality performance on the association between six specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement, employee empowerment, reward and recognition, training and customer focus) and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 179 garment organisations in a developing country, Bangladesh.

Findings

The results show that quality performance mediates the association between three specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement and reward and recognition) and competitive advantage. In addition, a fourth organisational factor, employee empowerment, exhibited a direct association with competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The findings provide managers of developing economies with an important insight into the critical role of quality in achieving competitive advantage. In line with the resources-based view, the findings suggest that managers should deploy their limited resources to focus on providing top management support for, encourage employee involvement in and provide adequate rewards and recognition in respect to quality initiatives.
Evaluating channel partner’s performance: impact of task environments on the relevance of measurement metrics
Authors: Goyal Vikas , Mishra Prashant
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a nuanced framework for evaluating a channel partner’s performance in distribution channel relationships. Given a channel partner’s task environment characteristics (high/low munificence, dynamism and complexity), the study examines which performance metrics (output, activity or capability) are most relevant for evaluating its performance levels effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts self-administered cross-sectional survey-based research design. Matched data were collected from 252 channel partners – manager relationship dyads. The latent change score (LCS) model within SEM framework provides mean paired-differences of the relevance ratings for each metrics. This was used to assess the empirical validity of the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study demonstrates the importance of calibrating performance evaluation metrics to a channel partner’s task environment state, made possible by its holistic approach to performance evaluation. Based on an extensive analysis, it shows that no single metric is relevant within all environmental states; rather, it could be dysfunctional, a result that differs from vast majority of the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Investigates individual linkages between task environment dimensions and performance metrics to provide a fuller understanding of these relationships. Also provides a theoretical framework to support further research on the topic.

Practical implications

The study provides managerial guidelines (and extensive graphical analysis) for nuanced and dynamic evaluation of channel partners’ performance that can enable firms to identify and promote their most valuable channel partners and prevent the deterioration of others.

Originality/value

First one to develop and empirically validate a nuanced framework for evaluating performance of exchange partners that operate under diverse task environment states.
Design intervention at major technological installations
Authors: Hendrickse Christopher , Thurner Thomas Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a design intervention at the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) control room which resulted from a user-centred design approach intended to raise its usability.

Design/methodology/approach

Adapting a user-centred design approach, the observations and interviews revealed a number of weaknesses of the current control room design.

Findings

While most suggestions would require larger restructuring, the designers intervened with simple solutions resulting in the improved handling of many pieces of hardware. This study suggests that such design interventions hold the possibility to majorly improve the efficiency of the control room and thereby raise the potential outcome of such highly capital intense installations.

Originality/value

Thereby, this paper has immediate relevance to the astronomical field and the corresponding advancements in electronics, engineering and technology development.
Key quality attributes of design documentation: South African perspective
Authors: Akampurira Emmanuel , Windapo Abimbola
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The poor quality of design documentation has been identified as a significant contributor to delays, rework and cost overruns on construction projects in South Africa. Despite this, limited research has been undertaken to specifically investigate the quality of design documentation. This in turn hampers efforts aimed at improving the quality of the design documents. The aim of this study is to identify the key quality attributes of design documentation and determine the extent to which the design documents issued on South African construction projects are perceived to incorporate the quality attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was distributed among civil engineering design consultants and contractors in the South African construction industry. Responses to a total of 120 completed questionnaires were statistically analysed. The relative importance and extent of incorporation of the quality attributes was determined based on the mean scores.

Findings

It emerged from the study that the two key quality attributes of design documentation were legibility and coordinated design documentation. Attributes with the least importance were relevancy and certainty. Regarding the incorporation of the quality attributes, the design documents were rated highly with respect to their legibility and clarity. The quality of the documentation was deemed inadequate in terms of accuracy and certainty.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insight to stakeholders involved in developing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of design documentation and as a result construction project performance.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence and extends the literature on design documentation quality especially from the perspective of South Africa, a developing country.
Predictors of loneliness among the left-behind children of migrant workers in Indonesia
Authors: Faisal Cut Maghfirah , Turnip Sherly Saragih
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare loneliness between the left-behind children of migrant workers and the non-left-behind ones, and identify the most significant predictors of loneliness among the left-behind children.

Design/methodology/approach

Incidental sampling was performed to select 629 participants aged 11–16 from 5 schools in the rural areas of Karawang and Lombok in Indonesia. They filled in paper-and-pencil self-report inventories.

Findings

Left-behind children were significantly lonelier than their counterparts were. Emotional loneliness was more affected by parental absence compared to social loneliness. Left-behind children would be more susceptible to experience loneliness if they had more access to entertainment gadgets, experienced less support and intimacy from friends, had been left by their migrant parents more than once, were female, had low self-esteem, experienced emotional difficulties and rarely communicated with their parents.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative research was needed to provide more elaborative explanation about the findings.

Practical implications

Parents needed to consider the psychological cost and benefit of working abroad to their children. Governments could intervene by limiting the duration and frequency of work among the migrant workers.

Social implications

Some beneficial implications to prevent and reduce loneliness among left-behind children were provided, such as by maintaining the frequency and quality of communication with the children, motivating and guiding the children to interact with their peers and spend less time on entertainment gadgets, as well as encouraging the children to engage in several positive activities to enhance their self-esteem.

Originality/value

This study enriched the understanding about complex relationship between parental presence and adolescents’ mental health despite the fact that adolescents seemed to be more interested in relationships with peers.
Theoretical overlap and distinction between rational emotive behavior therapy’s awfulizing and cognitive therapy’s catastrophizing
Authors: Waltman Scott Harris , Palermo Angelique
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The term catastrophizing was coined by Ellis (1962) and commented on by Beck (1979). Since that time, much research has been done on the topic and a recent review article postulated that catastrophizing served as a transdiagnostic mechanism across the psychiatric disorders (Gellatly and Beck, 2016). In rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), there is a greater emphasis placed on the underlying irrational beliefs than the surface-level automatic thoughts; therefore, REBT therapists tend to focus on Awfulizing as opposed to catastrophizing. While these terms sound similar, it is unclear what theoretical overlap and distinction exists between the concepts. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review and synthesis of the extant literature, drawing from both theorists and empirical studies, to map out the similar and unique aspects of each cognition.

Findings

Awfulizing and catastrophizing are distinct concepts with differing effects on cognitive, affective and behavioral responses; these findings extend beyond theoretical models and are supported by empirical literature.

Originality/value

This review has direct implications for practitioners of the cognitive and behavioral therapies, including REBT, and those seeking an integration of the cognitive therapies.
Effects of metoprolol, methyldopa, and nifedipine on endothelial progenitor cells in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Yangui , Liu Cuizhong , He Xin , Li Yingzhao , Zou Yan
Published: January 2019

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are critical for vascular regeneration and function, but are reduced in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We aimed to determine the possible effects of antihypertensive drugs, such as metoprolol, methyldopa, and nifedipine, on EPC number and functions in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. We collected blood samples from 30 normal pregnant women, 67 patients with gestational hypertension and 48 patients with preeclampsia. The patients received no drug or an antihypertensive drug, such as metoprolol, methyldopa, or nifedipine, between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. The number of EPCs and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in the blood was measured by flow cytometry. Moreover, colony formation and migration assays were performed on the isolated EPCs. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) increased, while the percentage of flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) decreased in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, compared to the healthy controls at 20 weeks of gestation. CEC number increased in the patients, whereas EPC counts decreased. Furthermore, EPC colony formation and migration abilities were also impaired in the patients. However, administration of metoprolol, methyldopa, or nifedipine effectively restored the systolic and diastolic BP, FMD%, EPCs, and CEC numbers, as well as EPC migration capacity. Endothelial progenitor cells colony formation ability selectively improved with methyldopa and nifedipine. In patients receiving no drugs, most of these indexes worsened within 4 weeks (study duration). This study revealed a new pharmacological action of these antihypertensive drugs against gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, thus supporting their clinical use.
Acceptability of self‐taken vaginal HPV sample for cervical screening among an under‐screened Indigenous population
Authors: Adcock Anna , Cram Fiona , Lawton Beverley , Geller Stacie , Hibma Merilyn , Sykes Peter , MacDonald E Jane , Dallas‐Katoa Wendy , Rendle Bronwyn , Cornell Tracey , Mataki Tania , Rangiwhetu Tania , Gifkins Naieta , Hart Selah
Published: January 2019

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the causative agent of cervical cancer, can be screened for using self‐collected vaginal samples (self‐testing). This may overcome barriers to screening for Māori women who suffer a greater burden of cervical disease than New Zealand European women.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the potential acceptability of HPV self‐testing for never/under‐screened (self‐reported no cervical screen in 4+ years, aged 25+) Māori women by Kaupapa Māori (by, with and for Māori) mixed methods, involving hui (focus groups/interviews) and survey.

Materials and Methods

Community‐based researchers ran hui with women in four regions (N = 106) and supported hui participants to collect survey data (N = 397). Healthcare providers (HCPs) were also interviewed (N = 17). Hui data were thematically analysed. Survey data were analysed by age group, rural/urban, primary health organisation (PHO) enrolment, and time since last cervical screen.

Results

Most survey participants were PHO‐enrolled (87.15%) and attended regularly (71.79%), but did not attend regular cervical screening. A desire for bodily autonomy, including whakamā (embarrassment/shyness/reticence), was the most frequently cited barrier. Three in four women reported being likely/very likely to do an HPV self‐test. Nine in ten women reported being likely/very likely to attend follow up if they receive a positive HPV test result. Women and HCPs in the hui emphasised the importance of health literacy, cultural competence and empathetic support.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that with a culturally competent introduction of HPV self‐testing, many currently never/under‐screened Māori women would be willing to be screened and followed up if necessary. HPV self‐testing has the potential to save lives.
Contrast‐induced nephropathy is associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome after cardiac catheterization: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Prasitlumkum Narut , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Kittipibul Veraprapas , Poonsombudlert Kittika , Limpruttidham Nath , Rattanawong Pattara , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies suggest that CIN is associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent catheterization. However, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature have not been done. We assessed the association between CIN in patients with ACS and new‐onset AF by a systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis.

Hypothesis

CIN is associated with new‐onset AF in patients with ACS.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to April 2018. Included studies were published cohort studies that compared new‐onset AF after cardiac catheterization in ACS patient with CIN versus without CIN. Data from each study were combined using the random effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Five studies from December 2009 to February 2018 were included in this meta‐analysis involving 5,640 subjects with ACS (1,102 with CIN and 4,538 without CIN). Contrast‐induced nephropathy significantly correlates with new‐onset AF after cardiac catheterization (pooled risk ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.66–4.87, p < 0.001, I2 = 58%)

Conclusions

Contrast‐induced nephropathy is associated with new‐onset AF threefold among patients with ACS after cardiac catheterization. Our study warranted further study to establish the causality between CIN and new‐onset AF.
Measuring socioeconomic adversity in early life
Authors: Anand Kanwaljeet J. S. , Rigdon Joseph , Rovnaghi Cynthia R. , Qin FeiFei , Tembulkar Sahil , Bush Nicole , LeWinn Kaja , Tylavsky Frances A. , Davis Robert , Barr Donald A. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Early life adversity leads to enduring effects on physical and mental health, school performance and other outcomes. We sought to identify potentially modifiable factors associated with socioeconomic adversity in early life.

Methods

We enrolled 1503 pregnant women aged 16–40 years, without pregnancy complications or pre‐existing conditions from Shelby County, Tennessee. Social, familial and economic variables were analysed using principal components (PCs) analyses to generate the Socioeconomic Adversity Index (SAI). This was replicated using the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Health and social outcomes were compared across the quintile groups defined by SAI values at the county, state and national levels.

Results

Significant differences occurred across the SAI Quintile‐1 to Quintile‐5 groups in marital status, household structure, annual income, education and health insurance. Significantly worse health and social outcomes occurred in the lower versus higher SAI quintiles, including maternal depression, parental incarceration, child's birthweight and potential for child abuse. Maternal age and race also differed significantly across the SAI quintiles.

Conclusion

Modifiable factors contributing to socioeconomic adversity in early life included marital status, household structure, annual income, education and health insurance. Those exposed to greater socioeconomic adversity as defined by SAI values had significantly worse maternal and child outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental problems should be considered in children with febrile seizures
Authors: Nilsson Gill , Westerlund Joakim , Fernell Elisabeth , Billstedt Eva , Miniscalco Carmela , Arvidsson Thomas , Olsson Ingrid , Gillberg Christopher
Published: January 2019

Aim

Clinical developmental phenotyping of four‐ to five‐year‐old children with febrile seizures (FSs).

Methods

Children with FS (n = 157, corresponding to 3.7% of the targeted general population of four‐five‐year‐olds) had been identified at child healthcare centres in Gothenburg. Parents of 73 children (41 boys, 32 girls) accepted participation in the present study. The assessments included a neuropaediatric assessment, Movement ABC, Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐III and parent questionnaires (Five‐to‐Fifteen (FTF) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)). Hospital records were reviewed, when applicable.

Results

One‐third of the children had at least one DSM‐5 neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis or marked developmental problems within areas of attention, activity regulation, behaviour, speech and language, general cognition or motor functioning. No differences were found between children with single vs recurrent or simple vs complex FS.

Conclusion

Febrile seizure are relatively often associated with Early Symptomatic Syndromes Eliciting Neurodevelopmental Clinical Examinations (ESSENCEs). We found no indications that ESSENCE might be caused by FS per se. However, the results suggest that child healthcare professionals should consider the possibility of ESSENCE in children with a history of FS.
Prediction of soilpHpatterns in nature areas on a national scale
Authors: Wamelink G. W. Wieger , Walvoort Dennis J. J. , Sanders Marlies E. , Meeuwsen Henk A. M. , Wegman Ruut M. A. , Pouwels Rogier , Knotters Martin
Published: January 2019

Question

To assess the acidification process, nationwide information about soilpHon a site level is called for. Measurements of soilpHmay be used, however there are not sufficient measurements available to map soilpHnationwide on site level. Instead we developed a soilpHmap based on vegetation data.

Location

Natural terrestrial areas in The Netherlands.

Methods

271,693 vegetation plots were used to estimate average soilpHper plot with indicator values, based on field measurements, of plant species. By spatial interpolation averagepHvalues between the plots, with the soil type, groundwater table and vegetation management type as ancillary explanatory variables we created a soilpHmap. The map covers all terrestrial nature areas (all areas that are not built up areas, agricultural areas and infrastructural areas) in the Netherlands with a map resolution of 25 × 25 m2raster cells.

Results

The predictedpHof the map varied between 3.0 and 8.6 with standard errors between 0.13 and 0.93. Most of the standard errors range from 0.4 to 0.55, with an average just below 0.5pHunit. Cross‐validation shows that for 33% the difference between observed and predicted is between −0.1 and 0.1pH‐unit and for 83% the difference is between −0.5 and 0.5pH‐unit. Validation shows that thepHmap is unbiased (mean error is almost zero), accurate (root mean squared error is 0.64) and nicely captures spatial patterns (r = 0.77). We applied thepHmap to assess the impact of acidification on the abiotic quality of nature areas in the Netherlands.

Conclusions

The model fit in the predicted soilpHis in good resulting in a low standard error and a high correlation. The measures taken to prevent acidic deposition causing further acidifying of nature areas can be considered as successful.
Hormonal and metabolic effects of carbohydrate restriction in children with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Irizarry Krystal A. , Mager Diana R. , Triador Lucila , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Haqq Andrea M. , Freemark Michael
Published: January 2019

Objective

Macronutrient regulation of hyperphagia and adiposity in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is poorly understood. We compared fasting and postprandial concentrations of hormones and metabolites in eight PWS children (age 9‐18 years) fed, in random order, low carbohydrate, high‐fat (LC, 15% carb; 65% fat; 20% protein) and low‐fat, high carbohydrate (LF, 65% carb, 15% fat, 20% protein) diets matched for calories and protein.

Methods

Participants were randomized to consume either the LC or LF diet during a first hospital admission and the second diet during a subsequent admission. Blood samples were obtained after overnight fasting and 1 hour after a mixed meal.

Results

Relative to subjects consuming the LF diet, subjects consuming the LC diet had: lower postprandial insulin concentrations (P = 0.02); higher fasting GLP‐1 AND GIP concentrations and increased postprandial GLP‐1 (P < 0.02); reduced ratio of fasting ghrelin to GLP‐1 (P = 0.0078); increased FFA and fatty acid oxidation, as assessed by concentrations of even‐chain acylcarnitines (P < 0.001); lower fasting TG and TG/HDL ratio (P < 0.01); and higher concentrations of branch chain amino acids (P < 0.01). There were no changes in glucose, PYY, or adiponectin. CRP, AST and ALT were all higher (P < 0.01) on the LC diet.

Conclusions

Increases in GLP‐1 with low carbohydrate feeding and reductions in the ratio of ghrelin to GLP‐1 might limit food intake and improve glycaemic control in PWS. Other potential benefits of carbohydrate restriction may include fat mobilization and oxidation and reductions in the TG/HDL ratio, a marker of insulin resistance. However, increases in CRP, AST and ALT necessitate longer‐term studies of low carbohydrate efficacy and safety.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐II mRNA‐binding protein 3 immunocytochemical expression in direct endometrial brushings: Possible diagnostic help in endometrial cytology
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Yanoh Kenji , Maeda Yoshinobu , Irino Satoshi , Hirai Yasuo , Fulciniti Franco , Kobayashi Tadao K.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

This study evaluated the immunocytochemical (ICC) expression of IMP3 in direct endometrial brushings processed as liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC), serous carcinoma (ESC) and surface papillary syncytial change (SPSC) with endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) to exploit its possible differential diagnostic aid.

Methods

In total, 333 samples of LBC samples were obtained from selected outpatients in parallel with Pipelle endometrial sampling. They consisted of 97 EAC (83 grade 1: EAC‐1, 14 EAC‐3), 35 ESC and 201 benign endometrial samples (51 proliferative, 42 secretory, 38 atrophic, 70 SPSC with EGBD). ICC expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐II mRNA‐binding protein 3 (IMP3) was manually performed on Papanicolaou‐stained LBC samples.

Results

The ESC samples showed positive staining cells in 100%, EAC‐3 in 28.5%, and EAC‐1 in 2.4% cases. All the benign endometrium samples were negative. Only ESC cases showed strong immunoreactivity (≥3+) in more than 50% of tumour cells with an average frequency of 80%.

Conclusions

IMP3 is a helpful immunomarker to distinguish ESC from EAC and SPSC in endometrial cytology.
Through the ages—Aetiological changes in maxillofacial trauma
Authors: Goedecke Maximilian , Thiem Daniel G. E. , Schneider Daniel , Frerich Bernhard , Kämmerer Peer W.
Published: January 2019

Aims

The number of patients suffering maxillofacial trauma remains constant although the affected patients become older. The aim of this study was to illuminate the patterns of maxillofacial fractures in a University Medical Centre and to analyse potential changes in patient population and treatment methods during a 5‐year period.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective analysis, the records of 573 patients with maxillofacial fractures treated in a level one trauma centre from January 2010 to December 2014 were analysed with regard to gender, age, date and time of hospitalization as well as discharge, aetiology, type of fracture, surgery details, complications and further injuries. Causes were subdivided into assaults, falls, epileptic seizure, work‐related, traffic accident by car or bicycle, sport‐associated or others (eg caused by explosions, horse kicks or unknown).

Results

The most common causes for fractures were assaults (28.8%; n = 165), followed by falls (23.9%; n = 137), although falls became the main reason for maxillofacial fractures in 2013 and 2014. The mean age for patients suffering from facial fractures due to falls was significantly higher compared to those injured by other causes. Most commonly, fractures of the zygomatico‐maxillary complex with or without orbital floor involvement were seen (31.6%; n = 291) followed by fractures of the mandible (20.6%; n = 190) and fractures of the nose (15.2%; n = 140). Most patients were treated surgically (89.5%; n = 513) even though an increase in non‐surgical treatment was found over the examination period, especially in older patients.

Conclusions

Maxillofacial fractures are mostly seen in younger male patients. Assaults were the main pattern of injury during the whole examination period, although falls became the main cause in older patients over the last 2 years.
Towards eradication: The history and management of Bitou Bush on K'gari‐Fraser Island, Australia
Authors: Behrendorff Linda , Harris Stacy M. , Muirhead Ian F.
Published: January 2019

Persistence and dedication over the long term has been a key to success in control of this Weed of National Significance on World Heritage Listed K'gari‐Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia. Systematic surveys and treatment show that the goal of Bitou Bush eradication is worthwhile and can inspire other such projects within the region and beyond.
Holding on to both ends of a pole: Empowering feminine sexuality and reclaiming feminist emancipation
Authors: Just Sine Nørholm , Muhr Sara Louise
Published: January 2019

In this article, we study pole dancing as a potential site of feminist theorization. Finding that instructors at pole dancing studios figure themselves in and through tensions between empowering feminine sexuality and the taint of sexualized labour, we discuss the productive potential of these tensions in terms of postfeminist discourse, on the one hand, and the feminist critique of this discourse, on the other. Holding on to both ends of this pole, the pole dance instructors twist and turn their words and bodies so as to produce emotionally attractive and socially recognizable subject positions for themselves and their female customers. We do not seek to dissolve the inherent tensions of these moves, but discuss how they can become productive: for the pole dance instructors, as they find opportunity to discursively resist sexualization whilst materially performing sexuality; and for us as feminist scholars as we become able to celebrate and criticize the idea(l) of empowering feminine sexuality.
Integral Fixation Titanium/Polyetheretherketone Cages for Cervical Arthrodesis: Evolution of Cage Design and Early Radiological Outcomes and Fusion Rates
Authors: Phan Kevin , Pelletier Matthew H , Rao Prashanth J , Choy Wen Jie , Walsh William R , Mobbs Ralph J
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the initial outcomes of a composite cage with integral fixation using the Redmond titanium (Ti)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) device.

Methods

Data from 50 consecutive patients were prospectively collected from a single senior surgeon cohort. All cages were between 5 and 8 mm in height, and were packed with supercritical CO2 sterilized allograft. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months, and implant complications were assessed.

Results

From the original cohort, three were unavailable for follow‐up. Forty‐seven patients with a total of 58 operative levels were observed for a mean of 7.9 months. A fusion rate of 96% was achieved. Good to excellent outcomes were seen in 92% of patients. There were no cases of implant Ti/PEEK delamination or implant failure, with excellent early fusion rates using supercritical CO2 allograft.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the development of a composite ACDF cage design that is a safe and effective treatment option with the potential for early osseointegration and interbody fusion. Supercritical CO2 sterilized allograft was an effective graft material supporting fusion.
Notch signaling activation induces cell death in MAPKi‐resistant melanoma cells
Authors: Mikheil Dareen M. , Prabhakar Kirthana , Arshad Ayyan , Rodriguez Carlos I. , Newton Michael A. , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi
Published: January 2019

The role of Notch signaling in melanoma drug resistance is not well understood. In this study, we show that although NOTCH proteins are upregulated in metastatic melanoma cell lines, Notch signaling inhibition had no effect on cell survival, growth, migration or the sensitivity of BRAFV600E‐melanoma cells to MAPK inhibition (MAPKi). We found that NOTCH1 is downregulated in melanoma cell lines with intrinsic and acquired resistance to MAPKi. Forced expression of NICD1, the active form of Notch1, caused apoptosis of the NOTCHlo, MAPKi‐resistant cells, but not the NOTCHhi, MAPKi‐sensitive melanoma cell lines. Whole transcriptome‐sequencing analyses of NICD1‐transduced MAPKi‐sensitive and MAPKi‐resistant cells revealed differential regulation of endothelin 1 (EDN1) by NICD1, that is, downregulation in MAPKi‐resistant cells and upregulation in MAPKi‐sensitive cells. Knockdown of EDN1 partially mimicked the effect of NICD1 on the survival of MAPKi‐resistant cells. We show that the opposite regulation of EDN1 by Notch signaling is mediated by the differential regulation of c‐JUN by NICD1. Our data show that MAPKi‐resistant melanoma cells acquire vulnerability to Notch signaling activation and suggest that Notch‐c‐JUN‐EDN1 axis is a potential therapeutic target in MAPKi‐resistant melanoma.
Fasting enhances cold resistance in fish through stimulating lipid catabolism and autophagy
Authors: Lu Dong‐Liang , Ma Qiang , Wang Jing , Li Ling‐Yu , Han Si‐Lan , Limbu Samwel Mchele , Li Dong‐Liang , Chen Li‐Qiao , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Du Zhen‐Yu
Published: January 2019

Key points

In a cold environment, mammals increase their food intake while fish decrease or stop feeding. However, the physiological value of fasting during cold resistance in fish is currently unknown.

Fasting for more than 48 h enhanced acute cold resistance in zebrafish, which correlated with lipid catabolism and cell damage attenuation.

Lipid catabolism and autophagy were necessary for cold resistance in fish and the inhibition of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation or autophagy weakened the fasting‐induced cold resistance.

Repression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway by rapamycin largely mimicked the beneficial effects of fasting in promoting cold resistance, suggesting mTOR signalling may be involved in the fasting‐induced cold resistance in fish.

Our study demonstrates that fasting may be a protective strategy for fish to survive under cold stress.

In cold environments, most homeothermic animals increase their food intake to supply more energy to maintain body temperature, whereas most poikilothermic animals such as fishes decrease or even stop feeding under cold stress. However, the physiological value of fasting during cold resistance in poikilotherms has not been explained. Here, we show that moderate fasting largely enhanced cold resistance in fish. By using pharmacological (fenofibrate, mildronate, chloroquine and rapamycin) and nutritional approaches (fatty acids diets and amino acids diets) in wild‐type or specific gene knock‐out zebrafish models (carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1b‐deficient strain, CPT1b−/−, or autophagy‐related protein 12‐deficient strain, ATG12−/−), we verified that fasting‐stimulated lipid catabolism and autophagy played essential roles in the improved cold resistance. Moreover, suppression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by using rapamycin mostly mimicked the beneficial effects of fasting in promoting cold resistance as either the physiological phenotype or transcriptomic pattern. However, these beneficial effects were largely reduced when the mTOR pathway was activated through high dietary leucine supplementation. We conclude that fasting helps fish to resist cold stress by modulating lipid catabolism and autophagy, which correlates with the mTOR signalling pathway. Therefore, fasting can act as a protective strategy of fish in resisting coldness.