bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptual design and empirical study of a personal learning environment and network (PLE&N) to support peer-based social and lifelong learning
Authors: Tsang Haley Wing Chi , Tsui Eric
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a conceptual design of Personal Learning Environment & Network (PLE&N) and a learning model developed in support of peer-based social and lifelong learning in higher education, which collaborate with classroom learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The model consists of students, instructors and external parties interacting synergistically in learning in PLE&N-enabled courses based on the collaborative designs of instructor-led pedagogical approach and external parties-assisted lifelong learning “first-mover” development. The research constructs, tests and assesses this model in courses of 12 subjects in nearly two years.

Findings

The practicality of the designs is evidenced in post-course surveys and reflected by students’ ability in productively using collaborative resources over the internet to create an ever-expanding personal learning space stretching from home to campus and beyond, oriented toward individuality, universality, ubiquity, interactivity and connectivity.

Originality/value

The research contributes to PLE&N, social and lifelong learning seamless integration in theory and practice to dramatically enhance students’ virtual learning skills.
A knowledge sharing approach for R&D project team formation
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Mahdi , Akhavan Peyman , Abbasi Morteza
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper intends to propose an approach for formation of the R&D project teams, so that in addition to the selection of the most expert individuals, facilitates the knowledge sharing among people.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical modeling was used to formulate the problem of selecting appropriate members for the project team. As the problem was formulated as a bi-objective mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, it was initially transformed from nonlinear to linear problem, and then, the global criterion method was applied to convert the problem into a single-objective problem. To collect the data for exogenous variables, the measurement scales (their validity had been verified in previous research) were adopted.

Findings

The results of various tests for evaluating the proposed approach in the case study confirmed its effectiveness in selecting the appropriate members of the project team.

Practical implications

Using the proposed approach, R&D project managers will be able to select the most appropriate members for the project team and, while ensuring the achievement of project objectives, prevent the loss of knowledge gained in the project lifecycle.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to provide an approach for sharing the knowledge gained by the project team members in the R&D projects.
Ability-based emotional intelligence and knowledge sharing
Authors: Ansari Amirul Hasan , Malik Shehla
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the direct effects of emotional intelligence and trust in co-workers on knowledge sharing. Further, it aims to examine the moderating effect of trust in co-workers on the emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 121 employees working with 13 different service sector organizations in the northern region of India. The data were tested for validity and reliability. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that both emotional intelligence and trust in co-workers had significant direct effects on knowledge sharing of organizational members. However, trust in co-workers did not moderate emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include the sample and cross-sectional design. Hence, future studies can be conducted using a longitudinal design covering other regions of India to increase the generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that management should develop appropriate strategies for meliorating emotional intelligence level of employees because people with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to engage themselves in knowledge sharing. Additionally, organizations should adopt a culture that promotes trust among its members, thereby fostering knowledge sharing in organizations.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on the role of emotions in knowledge sharing. The study adds to the extant literature on emotional intelligence and knowledge sharing in the context of India. Besides, the study attempted to investigate the interaction effect of trust in co-workers on emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship that has not been studied so far.
Management Behaviour in Vietnamese Commercial Banks
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien , Nghiem Son Hong , Roca Eduardo
Published: March 2017

This study identifies managerial behaviour in Vietnamese banks between the years 2000 and 2014, based on the managerial framework of banks, as identified by Rossi et al. (). This framework is built on the interrelationships between efficiency, risk, capital and diversification. This study uses the Z‐score to measure insolvency risk, the SFA to estimate cost efficiency, the ratio of total equity to total assets to capture bank capital and the HHI index to measure the diversification of revenue and earning assets. The results from the 3SLS estimator indicate that revenue diversification has an insignificant impact on insolvency risk, capital ratio and cost efficiency, but earning assets diversification has a negative effect on these three variables, supporting ‘classical diversification’, ‘economic capital’ and ‘monitoring’ behaviours. Moreover, a decline in cost efficiency leads to a rise in insolvency risk, implying ‘bad management’ behaviour; an increase in risk results in a reduction in cost efficiency, indicating ‘bad luck’ behaviour; and a reduction in capital ratio in the poorly capitalised banks leads to a growth in risk, suggesting ‘moral hazard’ behaviour. The results remain strongly robust when using an alternative risk measurement (the loan loss provision ratio) and an alternative SFA model.
Out‐of‐Sample Exchange Rate Forecasting and Macroeconomic Fundamentals: The Case of Japan
Authors: Matsuki Takashi , Chang Ming‐Jen
Published: March 2017

This study explores the respective out‐of‐sample exchange rate forecasting abilities of five macroeconomic fundamental models in comparison to a naïve random walk model for Japan during the post‐Bretton Woods era. To assess the influence of major economic changes, we estimate both linear and nonlinear models for all the macroeconomic fundamentals. Overall, most structural exchange rate models outperform a naïve random walk model in terms of forecasting accuracy in the short horizon. When the fundamentals are only linearly modelled, the forecasting ability of the Taylor rule is generally superior to other fundamental models. When the fundamentals are nonlinearly specified, the predictability of some other models rises dramatically to match that of the Taylor rule models in short and/or long horizons. Of importance, we determine that the yen/dollar exchange rate forecasting performance effectively improves in several fundamental models when influential economic changes are incorporated.
Capital Inflows and House Prices: Aggregate and Regional Evidence from China
Authors: An Hui , Yu Lijie , Gupta Rakesh
Published: March 2017

Rising house prices in China have been of concern for investors and policymakers. Prices have risen substantially in the last decade, especially in large urban cities, and some economists have expressed concerns about the affordability of residential housing for young adults. This phenomenon becomes a major concern for policymakers, in terms of managing policies to balance the residential needs of individuals and the transition to a market economy. Theoretically, house prices ought to be linked to economic factors such as disposable income, availability of land to build and credit policy. However, it appears that traditional economic theories fail to appropriately explain house prices in China. We provide an explanation from the perspective of capital inflows into China. In terms of per capita remittances, China receives the highest inflow of foreign capital, and this may have a significant impact on risk adjusted returns in the Chinese market. To investigate this relationship, we use the vector error correction model to assess the impact of capital inflows on house prices. We find that capital inflows have a significant positive effect on house prices. The study makes important contributions to understanding the relationship between house prices and foreign remittances after controlling for other economic factors. China is a large economy. Because the impact of economic development in China has not been consistent across the country, we address the regional differences in the house price changes to capital inflows. Using regional data, we show that capital inflows have an asymmetric effect on the housing market across different provinces and cities of China. This has important implications for the development of economic policies in China that aim to provide fair access to residential housing for everyone. These findings are also relevant to investors in the housing market, whether investing for a personal residential home or as part of their diversified investment portfolio. It will also be informative to see how a reversal of capital inflows associated with tighter financing conditions in advanced countries will affect house prices in China.
Microbial and sensory evaluation of probiotic yoghurt supplemented with cereal/pseudo‐cereal grains and legumes
Authors: Soltani Mohammad , Hekmat Sharareh , Ahmadi Latifeh
Published: March 2017

Probiotic yoghurts were manufactured using a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR‐1 supplemented with oat (PYO), barley (PYB), quinoa (PYQ), mung bean (PYM) or adzuki bean (PYA). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in microbial counts between samples. The mean counts (×108 CFU/mL) of L. rhamnosus GR‐1 for PYC, PYB, PYO, PYQ, PYA and PYM were 4.2, 4.7, 5.7, 8.2, 1.4 and 3.0, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that there is potential for incorporating grains such as oat, barley and adzuki bean in probiotic yoghurt.
The fetal safety of clomiphene citrate: a population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weller A , Daniel S , Koren G , Lunenfeld E , Levy A
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate whether exposure to clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovulation induction is associated with major malformations overall or with specific fetal anomalies.

Design

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study. Exposure was defined as CC dispension from 2 months before conception through the first month of pregnancy.

Settings

Four databases were combined: medication, birth, hospitalization, and terminations of pregnancy.

Population

The study included all women in southern Israel who gave birth or underwent termination of pregnancy at Soroka Medical Center, from 1998 to 2009.

Methods

The rates of major malformations overall and six different subcategories of anomalies were evaluated. The crude odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Subsequently the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was calculated using multiple logistic regression models controlling for maternal age, pre‐pregnancy diabetes, parity, ethnicity, the calendar year in which the birth/termination of pregnancy took place, smoking, and the use of gonadotropins and progesterone.

Main outcome measures

Major malformations overall and specific fetal malformations by organ systems.

Results

Of 114 961 pregnant women, 1872 were exposed to CC. No association was detected between exposure to CC and rates of major malformations overall (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.88–1.32) or rates of subcategories of malformations. Exposure was not associated with anencephaly (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 0.44–11.71) or oesophageal atresia (aOR 3.681, 95% CI, 0.65–20.76).

Conclusions

In this large population‐based retrospective cohort study, exposure to CC was not associated with an increased risk of either rates of major malformations overall or rates of specific malformations.

Tweetable abstract

An observational study: no increased risk for fetal malformations following exposure to clomiphene citrate.
Computed tomography for head injuries in children: Change in Australian usage rates over time
Authors: Oakley Ed , May Rachel , Hoeppner Tobias , Sinn Kam , Furyk Jeremy , Craig Simon , Rosengarten Pamela , Kochar Amit , Krieser David , Dalton Sarah , Dalziel Stuart , Neutze Jocelyn , Cain Tim , Jachno Kim , Babl Franz E ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: March 2017

Objective

Paediatric head injury is a common presentation to the ED. North American studies demonstrate increasing use of computed tomography (CT) brain scan (CTB) to investigate head injury. No such data exists for Australian EDs. The aim of this study was to describe CTB use in head injury over time in eight Australian EDs.

Methods

Retrospective ED electronic database and medical imaging database audit was undertaken for the years 2001–2010 by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 or 10 code for head injury in children <16 years. EDs and medical imaging departments of eight hospitals in Australia (five tertiary referral and three mixed departments). Data for ED presentations with head injury, and all CTB performed by medical imaging were merged to obtain a data set of CTB performed within 24 h for head injury‐related attendances to the ED. Descriptive and comparative analysis of CTB rates was performed.

Results

The rate of CTB over the decade was 10.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9–10.5). The annual rate varied from 9.5% (95% CI 8.2–10.9) to 12.5% (95% CI 11.2–13.9). CTB use did not increase over time. Median year of age at time of CT scan was 4 years, with an interquartile range of 1.5–9.4 years. Overall there was a 9.2% increase in the CTB scan rate for every additional year of age at presentation (95% CI 6.6–12.1; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CTB use in head injuries did not increase during the study period, and rates of CTB were less than reported for North America.
Randomized trial comparing the effects of gliclazide, liraglutide, and metformin on diabetes with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Feng Wenhuan , Gao Caixia , Bi Yan , Wu Min , Li Ping , Shen Shanmei , Chen Wei , Yin Tingting , Zhu Dalong
Published: March 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of gliclazide, liraglutide, and metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Eighty‐seven subjects were randomized to receive liraglutide, metformin, or gliclazide for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes included HbA1c levels, intrahepatic fat (IHF) content, and liver function.

Results

Both HbA1c levels and IHF content were reduced after treatment in all three groups. However, HbA1c levels were lower in the liraglutide‐ and metformin‐treated groups than in the gliclazide‐treated group, and reductions in IHF content were greater with liraglutide than with gliclazide. Liraglutide and metformin treatments reduced weight and improved liver function. Changes in IHF content were positively correlated with reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride levels, as well as weight. At 24 weeks, reductions in IHF content were greater in subjects with weight loss ≥5%, changes in waistline ≤0 cm (including decreases in waistline), HbA1c reductions ≥2.5%, and HbA1c levels <6.5%.

Conclusions

In T2DM patients with NAFLD, compared with liraglutide and metformin, gliclazide resulted in less improvement in liver function, reductions in IHF content and HbA1c levels, and less weight loss; in addition, slightly better improvements were achieved with liraglutide than with metformin.
Design of character‐based DNA barcode motif for species identification: A computational approach and its validation in fishes
Authors: Chakraborty Mohua , Dhar Bishal , Ghosh Sankar Kumar
Published: March 2017

The DNA barcodes are generally interpreted using distance‐based and character‐based methods. The former uses clustering of comparable groups, based on the relative genetic distance, while the latter is based on the presence or absence of discrete nucleotide substitutions. The distance‐based approach has a limitation in defining a universal species boundary across the taxa as the rate of mtDNA evolution is not constant throughout the taxa. However, character‐based approach more accurately defines this using a unique set of nucleotide characters. The character‐based analysis of full‐length barcode has some inherent limitations, like sequencing of the full‐length barcode, use of a sparse‐data matrix and lack of a uniform diagnostic position for each group. A short continuous stretch of a fragment can be used to resolve the limitations. Here, we observe that a 154‐bp fragment, from the transversion‐rich domain of 1367 COI barcode sequences can successfully delimit species in the three most diverse orders of freshwater fishes. This fragment is used to design species‐specific barcode motifs for 109 species by the character‐based method, which successfully identifies the correct species using a pattern‐matching program. The motifs also correctly identify geographically isolated population of the Cypriniformes species. Further, this region is validated as a species‐specific mini‐barcode for freshwater fishes by successful PCR amplification and sequencing of the motif (154 bp) using the designed primers. We anticipate that use of such motifs will enhance the diagnostic power of DNA barcode, and the mini‐barcode approach will greatly benefit the field‐based system of rapid species identification.
Long‐term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil therapy in diffuse scleroderma skin disease
Authors: Boulos Daniel , Ngian Gene‐Siew , Rajadurai Anton , Elford Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Owen Claire , Roddy Janet , Nikpour Mandana , Youssef Peter , Hill Catherine , Sahhar Joanne
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To assess the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

Methods

Patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort study with dcSSc and baseline modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥ 12 who were treated for a minimum of 12 months with MMF for the primary indication of skin disease were included and their prospectively collected data retrieved. Change in mRSS, the proportion with a clinically significant improvement (reduction in mRSS ≥ 5 from baseline) and adverse effects due to therapy were determined.

Results

Seventy‐four participants treated with MMF were identified and of these, 42 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53 ± 12 years, with mean disease duration at MMF commencement of 4.8 ± 4.3 years. Twenty‐one participants (50%) commenced MMF within 2 years of disease onset and the mean duration of therapy was 2.7 ± 1.7 years. The mean mRSS at baseline was 25.9 ± 9.2 with a reduction of 3.7 ± 7.1 (P = 0.07) after 1 year of therapy, 7.6 ± 8.3 after 2 years (P = 0.01) and 10.5 ± 10.3 after 5 years (P < 0.01). Response to treatment was not affected by disease duration at MMF commencement or baseline skin score. Eighteen participants (43%) demonstrated clinically significant improvement after 1 year, increasing to 92% after 4 years. Two participants (5%) ceased MMF due to adverse effects.

Conclusion

MMF was associated with a modest improvement in mRSS and was well tolerated in the treatment of dcSSc. Given the natural history of dcSSc where skin involvement can spontaneously improve, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies are required to confirm whether improvement can be attributed to MMF therapy.
Clinical features and long‐term outcomes of 105 granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients: A single center experience from north India
Authors: Sharma Aman , Naidu Godasi S. R. S. N. K. , Rathi Manish , Verma Roshan , Modi Manish , Pinto Benzeeta , Sharma Kusum , Dhir Varun , Singhal Manphool , Prakash Mahesh , Nada Ritambhra , Panda Naresh K. , Minz Ranjana W.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To describe the clinical features, treatment and long‐term outcomes in north Indian patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Methods

Clinical details, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS‐v3), laboratory data, histopathology findings, treatment details and outcomes of all consecutive patients diagnosed as having GPA between April 2005 and April 2016 were retrieved. European Vasculitis Study Group definitions were used to classify patients into localized, early systemic, generalized, severe and refractory categories. The findings were compared with large single center cohorts from USA, Germany and France.

Results

One hundred and five patients (median age 40 years; 60 females and 45 males) were diagnosed as having GPA. Median duration of follow up was 28 months. Upper respiratory tract, renal and lung involvement were seen in 76.19%, 51.43% and 67.62% of patients, respectively. Ocular, ear, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal and skin involvement were seen in 40.95%, 18.1%, 26.67%, 11.43%, 5.71%, 12.38% and 29.52%, respectively. The median BVAS v3 score was 17. Localized, early systemic, generalized, severe and refractory disease were seen in three, 44, 38, 17 and one patient, respectively. Eighteen patients expired and the cause of death was disease activity in 11, disease activity plus sepsis in four and sepsis alone in three patients. Twenty‐six patients experienced relapses. No hemorrhagic cystitis or bladder cancers were observed; however, one patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome during follow up.

Conclusion

Indian patients are younger and have less arthritis, renal and peripheral nerve involvement as compared to the patients in Western cohorts.
Potential of nanostructured alumina for leaf‐cutting ants Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management
Authors: Buteler Micaela , Lopez Garcia Guillermo , Stadler Teodoro
Published: March 2017

The present study assessed the contact toxicity of nanostructured alumina (NSA) and compared it to that of diatomaceous earth (DE) on workers of Acromyrmex lobicornis. Laboratory and field bioassays were also conducted to assess whether ants avoid NSA particles. Nanostructured alumina was more toxic to ants than DE (LC50 for NSA = 0.14 mg/g; CI 0.12–0.17; LC50 for DE = 0.36 mg/g; CI 0.25–0.77). The laboratory bioassays results showed that ants were not repelled by NSA. The average repellence percentage observed in the Petri dish bioassay was 0.66 ± 3.1. No repellence was observed in field tests either, given that ants collected oat flakes treated with NSA (12.7 ± 1.2 oat flakes) in similar amounts to control oats (13.9 ± 1.6 oat flakes) after 2 h. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed that NSA was more effective than DE in attaching to the cuticle of exposed insects.

This study reports for the first time the toxicity of NSA on leaf‐cutting ants and shows that it has greater efficacy than DE in killing A. lobicornis at all the concentrations tested. Thus, NSA shows potential to be used as a dust insecticide that could be applied directly at the nest to induce mortality of worker ants. Further studies should address the effect of NSA on the symbiotic fungus, as well as its potential as carrier for other insecticides or fungicides.
Expression of TWIST in the first‐trimester trophoblast and decidual tissue of women with recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Ahn Jin Hee , Park Hye Ran , Park Chan‐Woo , Park Dong‐Wook , Kwak‐Kim Joanne
Published: March 2017

Problem

In this study, we aim to investigate if the expression of TWIST in the first‐trimester placenta and decidua has any association with spontaneous abortion (SAB) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

Methods

Expression of TWIST was measured in the first‐trimester trophoblast and decidual tissues using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Women with a pregnancy loss comprised the study group (AB group) including women with two or more recurrent pregnancy loses (RPL group), and women with a spontaneous abortion who had no history of previous pregnancy losses (SAB group). Controls were women with elective abortion of normal pregnancy (NP group).

Results

In in‐vitro culture study of endometrial cells, expression of TWIST was detected with the induction of decidualization. In syncytiotrophoblast, expression of TWIST in NP group was significantly higher than that of AB group. RPL group had no expression of TWIST, both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast. In decidual tissue, majority of TWIST was expressed on the decidual stromal cells. NP group showed significantly higher expression of TWIST in cytoplasm and nucleus as compared with those of SAB group.

Conclusion

This suggests that TWIST may have a functional role in decidualization of endometrial cells and syncytialization of cytotrophoblast cells.
A pilot study of ultrasound evaluation of gastric emptying in patients with end‐stage renal failure: a comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Chen C. , Liu L. , Wang C. Y. , Choi S.‐W. , Yuen V. M.
Published: March 2017

This prospective study was designed to evaluate gastric volume and content in patients with renal failure and healthy controls after an overnight fast, immediately after a light meal and at 6 h after the meal. Thirty subjects in each group were recruited. At each scanning session, gastric antral cross‐sectional area was measured in the supine recumbent and right lateral decubitus positions, and a qualitative assessment of gastric contents was made using the Perlas three‐point grading system. Six hours after the meal, the mean (SD) antral cross‐sectional area in the supine position was 471 (195) mm2 in patients with renal failure and 319 (106) mm2 in healthy controls (p = 0.028), whereas in the right lateral position it was 756 (320) and 521 (180) mm2, respectively (p = 0.21). In terms of the qualitative assessments of gastric contents, all subjects had an empty stomach after an overnight fast. Five patients with renal failure and no controls had Perlas grade 2 images, indicating significant gastric contents, 6 h after a meal (p = 0.026). This study supports the use of bedside gastric ultrasound as a point‐of‐care test for patients with known risk factors for delayed gastric emptying.
Perspectives on risk: Assessment of risk profiles and outcomes among women planning community birth in the United States
Authors: Bovbjerg Marit L. , Cheyney Melissa , Brown Jennifer , Cox Kim J. , Leeman Lawrence
Published: March 2017

Background

There is little agreement on who is a good candidate for community (home or birth center) birth in the United States.

Methods

Data on n=47 394 midwife‐attended, planned community births come from the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project. Logistic regression quantified the independent contribution of 10 risk factors to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Risk factors included: primiparity, advanced maternal age, obesity, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, postterm pregnancy, twins, breech presentation, history of cesarean and vaginal birth, and history of cesarean without history of vaginal birth. Models controlled additionally for Medicaid, race/ethnicity, and education.

Results

The independent contributions of maternal age and obesity were quite modest, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) less than 2.0 for all outcomes: hospital transfer, cesarean, perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, low/very‐low Apgar, maternal or neonatal hospitalization, NICU admission, and fetal/neonatal death. Breech was strongly associated with morbidity and fetal/neonatal mortality (AOR 8.2, 95% CI, 3.7‐18.4). Women with a history of both cesarean and vaginal birth fared better than primiparas across all outcomes; however, women with a history of cesarean but no prior vaginal births had poor outcomes, most notably fetal/neonatal demise (AOR 10.4, 95% CI, 4.8‐22.6). Cesarean births were most common in the breech (44.7%), preeclampsia (30.6%), history of cesarean without vaginal birth (22.1%), and primipara (11.0%) groups.

Discussion

The outcomes of labor after cesarean in women with previous vaginal deliveries indicates that guidelines uniformly prohibiting labor after cesarean should be reconsidered for this subgroup. Breech presentation has the highest rate of adverse outcomes supporting management of vaginal breech labor in a hospital setting.
Adolescent externalizing behaviour, psychological control, and peer rejection: Transactional links and dopaminergic moderation
Authors: Janssens Annelies , Van Den Noortgate Wim , Goossens Luc , Verschueren Karine , Colpin Hilde , Claes Stephan , Van Heel Martijn , Van Leeuwen Karla
Published: March 2017

This study investigated (1) reciprocal links among parental psychological control, peer rejection, and adolescent externalizing (aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour), and (2) the moderating effect of an adolescent genetic factor (biologically informed polygenic score for dopamine signalling). Three‐year longitudinal data from 1,116 adolescents (51% boys; M age = 13.79) and their parents included psychological measures (adolescent‐reported psychological control, peer‐reported rejection, and parent‐reported aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour). Cross‐lagged analyses showed bidirectional effects between psychological control and both aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour and a unidirectional effect of peer rejection on both forms of problem behaviour over time. Multigroup structural equation modelling revealed genetic moderation only for rule‐breaking behaviour: for adolescents with intermediate levels of dopamine signalling significant environmental effects were present, whereas adolescent effects of rule‐breaking behaviour on psychological control were significant for adolescents with both intermediate and high profiles and effects on peer rejection only for adolescents with high dopamine profiles.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Parental psychological control is related to adolescent externalizing problems.

Experiencing peer rejection reinforces aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour.

Single‐gene studies show that dopaminergic genes influence externalizing problems directly or in interaction with the environment.

What does this study add?

Parental psychological control and adolescent aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour exacerbate one another longitudinally.

Longitudinal associations between peer rejection and both subtypes of externalizing behaviour are unidirectional.

With a polygenic approach, dopaminergic moderation is present for rule‐breaking behaviour only.
Pharmacovigilance database search discloses ClC‐K channels as a novel target of the AT1 receptor blockers valsartan and olmesartan
Authors: Imbrici Paola , Tricarico Domenico , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Nicolotti Orazio , Lograno Marcello Diego , Conte Diana , Liantonio Antonella
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Human ClC‐K chloride channels are highly attractive targets for drug discovery as they have a variety of important physiological functions and are associated with genetic disorders. These channels are crucial in the kidney as they control chloride reabsorption and water diuresis. In addition, loss‐of‐function mutations of CLCNKB and BSND genes cause Bartter's syndrome (BS), whereas CLCNKA and CLCNKB gain‐of‐function polymorphisms predispose to a rare form of salt sensitive hypertension. Both disorders lack a personalized therapy that is in most cases only symptomatic. The aim of this study was to identify novel ClC‐K ligands from drugs already on the market, by exploiting the pharmacological side activity of drug molecules available from the FDA Adverse Effects Reporting System database.

Experimental Approach

We searched for drugs having a Bartter‐like syndrome as a reported side effect, with the assumption that BS could be causatively related to the block of ClC‐K channels. The ability of the selected BS‐causing drugs to bind and block ClC‐K channels was then validated through an integrated experimental and computational approach based on patch clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells and molecular docking simulations.

Key Results

Valsartan and olmesartan were able to block ClC‐Ka channels and the molecular requirements for effective inhibition of these channels have been identified.

Conclusion and Implications

These results suggest additional mechanisms of action for these sartans further to their primary AT1 receptor antagonism and propose these compounds as leads for designing new potent ClC‐K ligands.
Identification of natural inhibitors of Bcr‐Abl for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Parcha Phanikrishna , Sarvagalla Sailu , Madhuri Bindu , Pajaniradje Sankar , Baskaran Vinitha , Coumar Mohane Selvaraj , Rajasekaran Baskaran
Published: March 2017

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder of the hematopoietic stem cells, characterized at the molecular level by the bcr/abl gene rearrangement. Even though targeting the fusion gene product Bcr‐Abl protein is a successful strategy, development of drug resistance and that of drug intolerance are currently the limitations for Bcr‐Abl‐targeted CML therapy. With an aim to develop natural Bcr‐Abl inhibitors, we performed virtual screening (VS) of ZINC natural compound database by docking with Abl kinase using Glide software. Two natural inhibitors ZINC08764498 (hit1) and ZINC12891610 (hit2) were selected by considering their high Glide docking score and critical interaction with the hinge region residue Met‐318 of Abl kinase. The reactivity of the two molecules was assessed computationally by density functional theory calculations. Further, the conformational transition, hydrogen bond interactions, and the binding energies were investigated during 10‐ns molecular dynamics simulation of the Abl–hit complex. When tested in vitro, hit1 compared to hit2 showed selective inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in Bcr‐Abl‐positive K‐562 leukemia cells. In summary, our results demonstrate that ZINC08764498, a coumarin derivative identified through VS, is a potential natural inhibitor for the treatment of CML.
Rational drug design of indazole‐based diarylurea derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Chu Yan‐yan , Cheng He‐juan , Tian Zhen‐hua , Zhao Jian‐chun , Li Gang , Chu Yang‐yang , Sun Chang‐jun , Li Wen‐bao
Published: March 2017

A series of novel indazole‐based diarylurea derivatives targeting c‐kit were designed by structure‐based drug design. The derivatives were prepared, and their antiproliferative activities were evaluated against human colon cancer HCT‐116 cell line and hepatocellular carcinoma PLC/PRF/5 cell line. The antiproliferative activities demonstrated that six of nine compounds exhibited comparable activities with sorafenib against HCT‐116. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that the indazole ring part tolerated different kinds of substituents, and the N position of the central pyridine ring played key roles in antiproliferative activity. The SAR and interaction mechanisms were further explored using molecular docking method. Compound 1i with N‐(2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)ethyl)‐carboxamide possessed improved solubility, 596.1 ng/ml and best activities, IC50 at 1.0 μm against HCT‐116, and 3.48 μm against PLC/PRF/5. It is a promising anticancer agent for further development.
Contrasting Social and Cognitive Accounts on Overimitation: The Role of Causal Transparency and Prior Experiences
Authors: Schleihauf Hanna , Graetz Sabine , Pauen Sabina , Hoehl Stefanie
Published: March 2017

Three experiments (N = 100) examine the influence of causal information on overimitation. In Experiment 1, a transparent reward location reveals that the reward is unaffected by nonfunctional actions. When 5‐year‐olds observe an inefficient and subsequently an efficient strategy to retrieve a reward, they show overimitation in both phases—even though the reward is visible. In Experiment 2, children observe first the efficient then the inefficient strategy. The latter is always demonstrated communicatively, whereas the efficient strategy is presented communicatively (2a) or noncommunicatively (2b). Regardless of whether the efficient strategy is emphasized through communication or not, most children do not switch from the efficient to the inefficient strategy. Depending on the situation, children base their behavior on social motivations or causal information.
Peers, Policies, and Place: The Relation Between Context and Ethnic/Racial Identity
Authors: Seaton Eleanor K. , Quintana Stephen , Verkuyten Maykel , Gee Gilbert C.
Published: March 2017

This manuscript introduces the special section, Context and Ethnic/Racial Identity
The Remarkable Rise and Particular Context of Younger One–Person Households in Seoul and Tokyo
Authors: Ronald Richard
Published: March 2017

Numbers of one–person households in East Asia have expanded dramatically in recent decades, especially among younger cohorts living in cities. In explaining this shift, research has largely addressed changes in socioeconomic and policy conditions that have interacted with family and marriage norms. This paper, however, is concerned with interactions of shifting urban and housing conditions that have channeled particular manifestations of single–dwelling featuring shifts in housing pathways among younger–adult cohorts toward living alone in rental housing. Focusing on Seoul and Tokyo as centers of growth, we consider how urban features, specifically housing markets and high–speed renewal of the built–environment, have shaped and contributed to the rise in one–person households, as well as how the proliferation of singlehood and living alone is reshaping the lives of younger people in urban neighborhoods. This shift represents a particular disruption in social and spatial reproduction that has implications for cities in this region more generally.
Risk factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Meihua , Chen Yuqing , Ye Qiao
Published: March 2017

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic disease limited to the lungs. The course of disease varies widely, with some patients experiencing acute respiratory deterioration, a condition called acute exacerbations of IPF (AE‐IPF). The risk factors contributing to AE‐IPF are unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the risk factors for AE‐IPF.

Methods

Studies of risk factors for AE‐IPF were identified in Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Fixed effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks and weighted mean differences (WMD).The meta‐analysis included seven articles involving 14 risk factors for AE‐IPF.

Results

Risk factors for AE included reductions in vital capacity (VC; WMD – 10.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) −17.17 to – 3.99), forced vital capacity (FVC; WMD −6.02, 95%CI – 8.58 to – 3.47), total lung capacity (TLC; WMD −4.88, 95%CI −7.59 to – 2.17), and PaO2 (WMD −4.19, 95%CI −7.66 to −0.71) and a higher alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2; WMD 4.4, 95%CI 0.24 to 8.57). Mechanical procedures, higher serum KL‐6 concentration and secondary pulmonary hypertension, might be risk factors for AE‐IPF. In contrast, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), differences in diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), exposure to seasonal variations and air pollution, and virus infection might be unrelated to AE‐IPF.

Conclusions

Poor pulmonary function, mechanical procedures, higher serum KL‐6 and secondary pulmonary hypertension were associated with increased risks of AE‐IPF.
Cross‐cultural comparisons of drinking motives in 10 countries: Data from the DRINC project
Authors: Mackinnon Sean P. , Couture Marie‐Eve , Cooper M. L. , Kuntsche Emmanuel , O'Connor Roisin M. , Stewart Sherry H. ,   the DRINC Team
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims

This study tested the measurement invariance of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised Short Form (DMQ‐R‐SF) in undergraduates across 10 countries. We expected the four‐factor structure to hold across countries, and for social motives to emerge as the most commonly endorsed motive, followed by enhancement, coping and conformity motives. We also compared individualistic and collectivistic countries to examine potential differences in the endorsement of drinking motives when countries were divided according to this broad cultural value.

Design and Methods

A sample of 8478 undergraduate drinkers from collectivistic (Portugal, Mexico, Brazil, Spain; n = 1567) and individualistic (Switzerland, Hungary, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Ireland, and the USA; n = 6911) countries completed the DMQ‐R‐SF. Countries were classified as individualistic or collectivistic based on world‐wide norms.

Results

Using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, the 4‐factor model of the DMQ‐R‐SF showed configural and metric invariance across all 10 countries. As predicted, the rank order of undergraduates' drinking motive endorsement was identical across countries (social > enhancement > coping > conformity), although a mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction where undergraduates from individualistic countries more strongly endorsed social and enhancement motives relative to undergraduates from collectivistic countries.

Discussion and Conclusions

There was broad cross‐cultural consistency in the factor structure and mean patterns of drinking motives. Undergraduate students appear to drink mainly for positive reinforcement (i.e. for social and enhancement reasons), although this tendency is particularly pronounced among those from more individualistic countries. [Mackinnon SP, Couture M‐E, Cooper ML, Kuntsche E, O'Connor RM, Stewart SH, and the DRINC Team. Cross‐cultural comparisons of drinking motives in 10 countries: Data from the DRINC project.
Social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union: A systematic review
Authors: Barrio Pablo , Reynolds Jillian , García‐Altés Anna , Gual Antoni , Anderson Peter
Published: March 2017

Issues

Drug use accounts for one of the main disease groups in Europe, with relevant consequences to society. There is an increasing need to evaluate the economic consequences of drug use in order to develop appropriate policies. Here, we review the social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union.

Approach

A systematic search of relevant databases was conducted. Grey literature and previous systematic reviews were also searched. Studies reporting on social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco were included. Methodology, cost components as well as costs were assessed from individual studies. To compare across studies, final costs were transformed to 2014 Euros.

Key Findings

Forty‐five studies reported in 43 papers met the inclusion criteria (11 for illegal drugs, 26 for alcohol and 8 for tobacco). While there was a constant inclusion of direct costs related to treatment of substance use and comorbidities, there was a high variability for the rest of cost components. Total costs showed also a great variability. Price per capita for the year 2014 ranged from €0.38 to €78 for illegal drugs, from €26 to €1500 for alcohol and from €10.55 to €391 for tobacco.

Implications and Conclusions

Drug use imposes a heavy economic burden to Europe. However, given the high existing heterogeneity in methodologies, and in order to better assess the burden and thus to develop adequate policies, standardised methodological guidance is needed.[Barrio P, Reynolds J, García‐Altés A, Gual A, Anderson P. Social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union: A systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;00:000‐000]
History of being in government care associated with younger age at injection initiation among a cohort of street‐involved youth
Authors: Barker Brittany , Kerr Thomas , Dong Huiru , Wood Evan , DeBeck Kora
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims

Compared to the general population of youth, health‐related disparities experienced by youth exposed to the child welfare system are well documented. Amongst these vulnerabilities are elevated rates of substance use, including injection drug use; however, less is known about when these youth transition to this high‐risk behaviour. We sought to assess whether having a history of government care is associated with initiating injection drug use before age 18.

Design and Methods

Between September 2005 and May 2014, data were derived from the At‐Risk Youth Study, a cohort of street‐involved youth who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between early initiation of injection drug use and having a history of being in government care.

Results

Among the 581 injecting street‐involved youth included, 229 (39%) reported initiating injection drug use before 18 years of age. In multivariable analysis, despite controlling for a range of potential confounders, having a history of government care remained significantly associated with initiating injection drug use before age 18 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.48).

Discussion and Conclusions

Youth with a history of being in government care were significantly more likely to initiate injection drug use before age 18 than street‐involved youth without a history of being in care. These findings imply that youth in the child welfare system are at higher risk and suggest that interventions are needed to prevent transitions into high‐risk substance use among this population.
Ocular involvement in pemphigus vulgaris – a retrospective study of a large Spanish cohort
Authors: España Agustin , Iranzo Pilar , Herrero‐González Josep , Mascaro José M. , Suárez Ricardo
Published: March 2017

Background and objectives

Ocular/periocular involvement in pemphigus vulgaris (OPV) has rarely been reported. The objective of the present study was to investigate the pattern of OPV and define the prognostic value of its manifestation.

Patients and methods

From 1985 to 2014, a total of 167 patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were treated at four tertiary Spanish hospitals. In this retrospective study, we included all patients with OPV. Clinical data and information on associated symptoms were obtained from patients’ medical records.

Results

Only 24 (14.3 %) of all PV patients had ocular lesions. In most cases, ­ocular involvement was preceded by PV lesions at various other sites (mean duration: 33.7 months). Ocular PV lesions occurred during flares of mucocutaneous pemphigus, and was never the only mucosal manifestation. The most common clinical signs were conjunctival hyperemia (87.5 %), erosions on the eyelids (41.6 %) as well as of the palpebral/bulbar conjunctiva (33.3 %) and at the medial epicanthus (20.8 %). The most relevant associated symptoms included local pain/stinging (71.4 %), irritation (47.6 %), photophobia (38.1 %), and epiphora (23.9 %). Ocular PV improved with systemic and adjuvant topical therapies. Only two patients experienced sequelae.

Conclusions

In patients with PV, ocular involvement is an exception. Ocular PV is associated with greater disease activity, and usually follows a benign course. Sites affected are the conjunctiva, the eyelids, or both.