bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual control of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone secretion by thyroxine and triiodothyronine in athyreotic patients
Authors: Hoermann Rudolf , Midgley John E. M. , Dietrich Johannes W. , Larisch Rolf
Published: July 2017

Background:

Patient responses to levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy vary considerably. We sought to differentiate contributions of FT4 and FT3 in controlling pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion.

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed the relationships between TSH and thyroid hormones in 319 patients with thyroid carcinoma through 2914 visits on various LT4 doses during follow-up for 5.5 years (median, IQR 4.2, 6.9). We also associated patient complaints with the relationships.

Results:

Under varying dose requirements (median 1.84 µg/kg, IQR 1.62, 2.11), patients reached TSH targets below 0.4, 0.1 or 0.01 mIU/l at 73%, 54% and 27% of visits. While intercept, slope and fit of linearity of the relationships between lnTSH and FT4/FT3 varied between individuals, gender, age, LT4 dose and deiodinase activity influenced the relationships in the cohort (all p < 0.001). Deiodinase activity impaired by LT4 dose significantly affected the lnTSH–FT4 relationship. Dose increase and reduced conversion efficiency displaced FT3–TSH equilibria. In LT4-treated patients, FT4 and FT3 contributed on average 52% versus 38%, and by interaction 10% towards TSH suppression. Symptomatic presentations (11%) accompanied reduced FT3 concentrations (–0.23 pmol/l, p = 0.001) adjusted for gender, age and BMI, their relationships being shifted towards higher TSH values at comparable FT3/FT4 levels.

Conclusions:

Variation in deiodinase activity and resulting FT3 levels shape the TSH–FT4 relationship in LT4-treated athyreotic patients, suggesting cascade control of pituitary TSH production by the two hormones. Consequently, measurement of FT3 and calculation of conversion efficiency may identify patients with impaired biochemistry and a resulting lack of symptomatic control.
Serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia in Italy
Authors: Di Pasquale Marta , Aliberti Stefano , Azzari Chara , Moriondo Maria , Nieddu Francesco , Blasi Francesco , Mantero Marco
Published: July 2017

Background:

Pneumonia remain an important public health problem. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of community-acquired pneumonia that is attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection; secondary objectives were the description of community-acquired pneumonia attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae according to socio-demographic and clinical variables, the clinical evolution of community-acquired pneumonia and the description of the serotype distribution of vaccine-preventable disease and antibiotic resistance rate of pneumococcal infections.

Methods:

An observational, prospective study was conducted on consecutive patients coming from the community, who were hospitalized with pneumonia. Data on admission, at discharge and 30 days after discharge were collected. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors independently associated with pneumococcal pneumonia.

Results:

Among the 193 patients enrolled in the study, the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia was identified in 60 patients (33%) and 35 (18%) of evaluable patients had community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Of all clinical characteristics, if no previous antibiotic treatment was performed, there was a 13-fold higher risk of presenting community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (odds ratio, 12.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–117.9). Moreover, the most frequent isolated serotypes were 35F, 3 and 24 (29%, 23% and 16%, respectively).

Conclusion:

The most frequent serotypes in pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia are 35F, 3, 24, 6 and 7A, and thus almost 50% of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains could be covered by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 in adult patients with risk factors for pneumococcal infections.
Novel PANK2 mutation in the first Greek compound heterozygote patient with pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Paraskevas George P , Yapijakis Christos , Bougea Anastasia , Constantinides Vasilios , Bourbouli Mara , Stamboulis Eleftherios , Kapaki Elisabeth
Published: July 2017

Pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration is the most common autosomal recessive form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Less than 100 mutations in PANK2 gene (20p13) are responsible for classic and atypical cases. We report here the first Greek case of atypical pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration, confirmed by molecular analysis that revealed two trans-acting mutations. Our findings highlight the possible role of rare variants contributing to disease risk and possibly to variable clinical phenotype.
Acute aortic occlusion due to tumor embolism in a patient with lung malignancy
Authors: Lioudaki Stella , Kontopodis Nikolaos , Palioudakis Stefanos , Koutsopoulos Anastasios V , Drositis Ioannis , Ioannou Christos V
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Acute lower limb ischemia caused by tumor embolization is rare, despite the fact that cancer is a common cause of hypercoagulability predisposing to venous thrombosis. Arterial embolization is mostly associated with intracardiac tumors while lung malignancies are the second most common cause of tumor embolism.

Methods:

In this report, we present a male patient who developed acute bilateral lower limb ischemia in the immediate postoperative period after a thoracotomy for attempted left upper lobe resection for lung cancer.

Results:

The patient was treated with a subclavian-bifemoral bypass, since an initial attempted embolectomy was unsuccessful. Histopathological characteristics of thrombus obtained during embolectomy were consistent with the histopathology of the primary tumor.

Conclusion:

Acute ischemia is an emergency that should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Interestingly, in this case, the presence of epidural anesthesia masked the initial symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Preoperative assessment with transesophageal echocardiography may reveal patients at high risk for tumor embolism.
Ethical sensitivity: Conceptualization and new scale development
Authors: Toti Jean-François , Moulins Jean-Louis
Published: July 2017

This article proposes a new and original measurement scale for consumers’ ethical sensitivity (CES). Usually measured using scenarios, ethical sensitivity appears as a fundamental variable in understanding consumers’ ethical behaviour. In this study, we propose an alternative definition and a new scale for ethical sensitivity. We use a series of qualitative and quantitative studies and analyse construct validity, that is, content, convergent and discriminant validities. The results indicate that ethical sensitivity is a better predictor of ethical consumption behaviour when measured by our new scale than by a scenario. Implications are outlined for academics and professionals looking to better understand the relationship between consumer ethics and consumption behaviour.
The politics of street art in Yemen (2012–2017)
Authors: Alviso-Marino Anahi
Published: July 2017

In 2012, as a continuation of street politics developed in places like the antigovernment sit-in in Change Square in Yemen’s capital Sana’a, a small number of visual artists incorporated dissent, transgression, and civil disobedience into their artistic practices. Such is the case of Murad Subay, the painter who initiated the series of street art campaigns analyzed in this article. This case allows us to study the intersections of space, contentious politics, and artistic practices, interrogating how visual expressions located in the streets reflect a vivid political public sphere, understood as a site of critical debate and interaction. Furthermore, it introduces a series of dynamics that make of these campaigns something more than a site for production and circulation of discourses critical of the state. Street art campaigns in Yemen are thus explored sensitizing devices for political awareness.
Comminuted Patella Fracture in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review and Case Report
Authors: Matthews Brent , Hazratwala Kaushik , Barroso-Rosa Sergio
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

To review comminuted patella fracture in the elderly patients and examine the surgical options to avoid complications such as fixation failure and poor functional outcome. To provide an example of mesh augmentation in comminuted patella fracture in the elderly patients.

Data Sources:

A literature review was conducted by the authors independently using Ovid, Medline, Cochrane, PubMed, and Clinical Key in English. We aimed to review data on patients older than 65 with comminuted patella fracture. Search conducted between July and December 2015.

Study Selection:

Search terms included patella fracture, elderly, and fixation failure. Abstracts were included if they were a case report, cohort series, or randomized control trial. Further inclusion criteria were that they were available in full text and included patient age(s), operative details, follow-up, and outcome discussion.

Data Extraction:

Each study was assessed according to its level of evidence, number of patients, age of patients, fracture patterns described, complications of treatment, and results summarized.

Data Synthesis:

Paucity of data and heterogeneity of studies limited statistical analysis. Data are presented as a review table with the key points summarized.

Conclusion:

In patella fracture, age >65 years and comminuted fracture pattern are predictors of increased fixation failure and postoperative stiffness, warranting special consideration. There is a trend toward improved functional outcomes when augmented fixation using mesh or plates is used in this group. Further level 1 studies are required to compare and validate new treatment options and compared them to standard surgical technique of tension band wire construct.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy With Fusion Using a Local Source for Cancellous Autograft: A Biomechanical Analysis of Vertebral Body Stability in an Osteopenic Bone Model
Authors: Walterscheid Zakk , O’Neill Conor , Ochs Alex , D’Averso Adrian , Dew Christopher , Huntington Alyssa , Ma Grace , Behrend Caleb , De Vita Rafaella , Carmouche Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Background:

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an effective treatment for patients having cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. To reduce morbidity associated with autograft taken from the iliac crest without sacrificing high fusion rates, a novel technique that harvests bone from the vertebral body adjacent to the operative disc space has been proposed. The effects of square and round bone graft harvest techniques on the mechanical stability of the osteopenic donor vertebrae are unknown. We analyzed the biomechanical implications of the technique by subjecting osteopenic models to uniaxial compression to compare yield strengths of surgically altered and unaltered specimens.

Methods:

Biomechanical grade polyurethane foam was cut into 60 different 12 mm × 17 mm × 20 mm blocks. The foam had a density of 10 pounds per cubic foot, simulating osteoporotic bone. Rectangular prism (4 mm × 4 mm × 6 mm) and cylindrical cores ( r = 2 mm, h = 8 mm) were removed from 20 blocks per group. Twenty samples were left intact as a control group. Anterior plate screws were applied to the models and a Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) interbody spacer was placed on top. Samples underwent uniaxial compression at 0.1 mm/s until mechanical failure. Points of structural failure were determined using a 0.1% offset on a force–displacement curve and compared to determine the reductions in compressive strength.

Results:

The mean force eliciting structural failure for intact samples was 450.6 N. Average failure forces for rectangular prisms and cylindrical cores removed were 383.2 and 395.4 N, respectively. Removal of a rectangular prismatic core of the necessary volume resulted in a 15.0% reduction in compressive strength, while removal of a cylindrical core of comparable volume facilitated a reduction of 12.2%.

Conclusion:

Local autograft harvested from adjacent vertebrae reduces morbidity associated with a second surgical site while minimally reducing the compressive strength of the donor vertebra in an osteopenic model, lending credence to the efficacy of this technique in elderly patient populations.
ASA Classification as a Risk Stratification Tool in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Study of 5805 Patients
Authors: Somani Sulaiman , Capua John Di , Kim Jun S. , Phan Kevin , Lee Nathan J. , Kothari Parth , Kim Joung-Heon , Dowdell James , Cho Samuel K.
Published: July 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objectives:

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is a highly complex procedure that has high complication rates. Risk stratification tools can improve patient management and may lower complication rates and associated costs. The goal of this study was to identify the independent association between American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class and postoperative outcomes following ASD surgery.

Methods:

The 2010-2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes relevant to ASD surgery. Patients were divided based on their ASA classification. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to quantify the increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications for patients with increased ASA scores.

Results:

A total of 5805 patients met the inclusion criteria, 2718 (46.8%) of which were ASA class I-II and 3087 (53.2%) were ASA class III-IV. Multivariate logistic regression revealed ASA class to be a significant risk factor for mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 21.0), reoperation within 30 days (OR = 1.6), length of stay ≥5 days (OR = 1.7), overall morbidity (OR = 1.4), wound complications (OR = 1.8), pulmonary complications (OR = 2.3), cardiac complications (OR = 3.7), intra-/postoperative red blood cell transfusion (OR = 1.3), postoperative sepsis (OR = 2.7), and urinary tract infection (OR = 1.6).

Conclusions:

This is the first study evaluating the role of ASA class in ASD surgery with a large patient database. Use of ASA class as a metric for preoperative health was verified and the association of ASA class with postoperative morbidity and mortality in ASD surgery suggests its utility in refining the risk stratification profile and improving preoperative patient counseling for those individuals undergoing ASD surgery.
Complications Associated With Spine Surgery in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older: Japan Association of Spine Surgeons with Ambition (JASA) Multicenter Study
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro , Ando Kei , Ishiguro Naoki , Yamashita Masaomi , Eguchi Yawara , Matsumoto Morio , Ishii Ken , Hikata Tomohiro , Seki Shoji , Terai Hidetomi , Suzuki Akinobu , Tamai Koji , Aramomi Masaaki , Ishikawa Tetsuhiro , Kimura Atsushi , Inoue Hirokazu , Inoue Gen , Miyagi Masayuki , Saito Wataru , Yamada Kei , Hongo Michio , Nishimura Hirosuke , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nakano Atsushi , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Chikuda Hirotaka , Ohya Junichi , Aoki Yasuchika , Shimizu Masayuki , Futatsugi Toshimasa , Mukaiyama Keijiro , Hasegawa Masaichi , Kiyasu Katsuhito , Iizuka Haku , Iizuka Yoichi , Kobayashi Ryoichi , Nishida Kotaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Nakajima Hideaki , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Kato Satoshi , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Namikawa Takashi , Watanabe Kei , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Fujiwara Hiroyasu , Nishida Norihiro , Imajo Yasuaki , Yamazaki Masashi , Sakane Masataka , Abe Tetsuya , Fujii Kengo , Kaito Takashi , Furuya Takeo , Orita Sumihisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: July 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective study of registry data.

Objectives:

Aging of society and recent advances in surgical techniques and general anesthesia have increased the demand for spinal surgery in elderly patients. Many complications have been described in elderly patients, but a multicenter study of perioperative complications in spinal surgery in patients aged 80 years or older has not been reported. Therefore, the goal of the study was to analyze complications associated with spine surgery in patients aged 80 years or older with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar lesions.

Methods:

A multicenter study was performed in patients aged 80 years or older who underwent 262 spinal surgeries at 35 facilities. The frequency and severity of complications were examined for perioperative complications, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, and for major postoperative complications that were potentially life threatening, required reoperation in the perioperative period, or left a permanent injury.

Results:

Perioperative complications occurred in 75 of the 262 surgeries (29%) and 33 were major complications (13%). In multivariate logistic regression, age over 85 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.007, P = 0.025) and estimated blood loss ≥500 g (HR = 3.076, P = .004) were significantly associated with perioperative complications, and an operative time ≥180 min (HR = 2.78, P = .007) was significantly associated with major complications.

Conclusions:

Elderly patients aged 80 years or older with comorbidities are at higher risk for complications. Increased surgical invasion, and particularly a long operative time, can cause serious complications that may be life threatening. Therefore, careful decisions are required with regard to the surgical indication and procedure in elderly patients.
The accuracy and safety of fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous pedicle screws in the thoracic and lumbosacral spine in the Asian population: A CT scan analysis of 1002 screws
Authors: Chiu Chee Kidd , Chan Chris Yin Wei , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

This study investigates the safety and accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screws placed using fluoroscopic guidance in the thoracolumbosacral spine among Asian patients.

Methods:

Computerized tomography scans of 128 patients who had surgery using fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous pedicle screws were selected. Medial, lateral, superior, and inferior screw perforations were classified into grade 0 (no violation), grade 1 (<2 mm perforation), grade 2 (2–4 mm perforation), and grade 3(>4 mm perforation). Anterior perforations were classified into grade 0 (no violation), grade 1 (<4 mm perforation), grade 2 (4–6 mm perforation), and grade 3(>6 mm perforation). Grade 2 and grade 3 perforation were considered as “critical” perforation.

Results:

In total, 1002 percutaneous pedicle screws from 128 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 52.7 ± 16.6. There were 70 male patients and 58 female patients. The total perforation rate was 11.3% (113) with 8.4% (84) grade 1, 2.6% (26) grade 2, and 0.3% (3) grade 3 perforations. The overall “critical” perforation rate was 2.9% (29 screws) and no complications were noted. The highest perforation rates were at T4 (21.6%), T2 (19.4%), and T6 (19.2%).

Conclusion:

The total perforation rate of 11.3% with the total “critical” perforation rate of 2.9% (2.6% grade 2 and 0.3% grade 3 perforations). The highest perforation rates were found over the upper to mid-thoracic region. Fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous pedicle screws insertion among Asians has the safety and accuracy comparable to the current reported percutaneous pedicle screws and open pedicle screws techniques.
A Prospective, Quantitative Evaluation of Fatty Infiltration Before and After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Lansdown Drew A. , Lee Sonia , Sam Craig , Krug Roland , Feeley Brian T. , Ma C. Benjamin
Published: July 2017

Background:

Current evaluation of muscle fatty infiltration has been limited by subjective classifications. Quantitative fat evaluation through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow for an improved longitudinal evaluation of the effect of surgical repair on the progression of fatty infiltration.

Hypotheses:

We hypothesized that (1) patients with isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears would have less progression in fatty infiltration compared with patients with full-thickness tears of multiple tendons and (2) patients with eventual failed repair would have higher baseline levels of fatty infiltration.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Thirty-five patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were followed longitudinally. All patients received a shoulder MRI, including the iterative decomposition of echoes of asymmetric length (IDEAL) sequence for fat measurement, prior to surgical treatment and at 6 months after surgical repair. Fat fractions were recorded for all 4 rotator cuff muscles from measurements on 4 sagittal slices centered at the scapular-Y. Demographics and tear characteristics were recorded. Baseline and follow-up fat fractions were compared for patients with isolated supraspinatus tears versus multitendon tears and for patients with intact repairs versus failed repairs. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

The mean fat fractions were significantly higher at follow-up than at baseline for the supraspinatus (9.8% ± 7.0% vs 8.3% ± 5.7%; P = .025) and infraspinatus (7.4% ± 6.1% vs 5.7% ± 4.4%; P = .027) muscles. Patients with multitendon tears showed no significant change for any rotator cuff muscle after repair. Patients with isolated supraspinatus tears showed a significant progression in the supraspinatus fat fraction from baseline to follow-up (from 6.8% ± 4.9% to 8.6% ± 6.8%; P = .0083). Baseline supraspinatus fat fractions were significantly higher in patients with eventual failed repairs compared with those with intact repairs (11.7% ± 6.8% vs 7.1% ± 4.8%; P = .037).

Conclusion:

Contrary to our initial hypothesis, patients with isolated supraspinatus tears showed a significant progression of fatty infiltration. Patients with eventual repair failure had higher baseline fat fractions in the supraspinatus.
Influence of Watching Professional Baseball on Japanese Elders’ Affect and Subjective Happiness
Authors: Kawakami Ryoko , Sawada Susumu S. , Ito Tomoko , Gando Yuko , Fukushi Tomohiro , Fujie Ryosuke , Oka Koichiro , Sakamoto Shizuo , Higuchi Mitsuru
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine the effects of watching a professional baseball game on the affect and subjective happiness of elders without a specific team to support. Method: Elderly Japanese ( n = 16) were instructed to watch baseball games at a ballpark. They answered a questionnaire several weeks before (baseline) and, on the day of the game, before and after watching the game. Participants’ affect and happiness were assessed using the General Affect Scale and Subjective Happiness Scale, respectively. Results: Calmness had a tendency to increase from baseline to before watching the game ( p = .052). Furthermore, subjective happiness significantly increased after watching the game, compared with baseline ( p = .017). Discussion: Visiting a ballpark to watch a professional baseball game increased elders’ subjective happiness after they had finished watching it.
Small and medium-sized enterprise policy: Designed to fail?
Authors: Wapshott Robert , Mallett Oliver
Published: July 2017

Significant doubts persist over the effectiveness of government policy to increase the numbers or performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the UK economy. We analyse UK political manifestoes from 1964 to 2015 to examine the development of small and medium-sized enterprise policy in political discourse. We do this by analysing how the broadly defined category of ‘small- and medium-sized enterprise’ has been characterised in the manifestoes and assess these characterisations in relation to the empirical evidence base. We highlight three consistent themes in UK political manifestoes during 1964–2015 where small- and medium-sized enterprises have been characterised as having the potential for growth, struggling to access finance and being over-burdened by regulation. We argue that homogenising the broad range of businesses represented by the small- and medium-sized enterprise category and characterising them in these terms misrepresents them, undermining policies developed in relation to this mischaracterisation.
Weighted processing for microresistivity imaging logging in oil-based mud using a support vector regression model
Authors: Gao Jian-Shen , Sun Jian-Meng , Jiang Yan-Jiao , Zhang Peng-Yun , Wu Jie
Published: July 2017

We have developed a weighted processing method for wireline microresistivity imaging logging in oil-based mud to estimate not only the low but also the high formation resistivity quantitatively using a support vector regression (SVR) model. Furthermore, the standoff between the logging tool and the formation is also optimized out quite well. The general vertical coupling process is an unweighted method that is only suitable for low-resistivity formation and causes a puzzling reversal phenomenon in high-resistivity formation. Therefore, we have first determined the necessity of introducing a weighted coefficient, and then we developed an improved coupling processing method, i.e., a weighted processing model. We have implemented a sensitivity analysis to determine the change regularity and range of the weighted coefficient. We have developed an SVR model with four main controlling parameters: frequency, real part of measured impedance, imaginary part of measured impedance, and equivalent resistivity to optimize out the weighted coefficient, thus to estimate the formation resistivity accurately. Furthermore, a similar SVR model is also developed to obtain the unknown standoff. We have determined the effectiveness and advantage of the weighted processing in estimating the formation resistivity with two references, respectively, the imaging results in water-based mud and from the general unweighted processing, using three simulated cases. Meanwhile, the optimization of the standoff is also verified.
A comparison of loop time-domain electromagnetic and short-offset transient electromagnetic methods for mapping water-enriched zones — A case history in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Chen Weiying , Xue Guoqiang , Olatayo Afolagboye Lekan , Chen Kang , Younis Khan Muhammad , Chen Weichang , Zhang Linbo , Chen Wen
Published: July 2017

Increases in the mining depth of coal pose a significant challenge to the conventional loop source time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) method that requires significant enlargement of the loop size and transmitting current to realize the deeper sounding results required. As an alternative, TEM devices based on a grounded wire source are generally used to solve detections deeper than several hundred meters. To map the water-enriched zones buried underneath approximately 1000 m at a coal mine in Shaanxi, China, loop TEM and short-offset transient electromagnetic (SOTEM) measurements were conducted. We carried out 1D forward modeling and inversion constrained by drilling informa-tion, and the results reveal that the resolution capability of loop TEM and SOTEM is almost the same in detecting a conductive layer in the absence of any noise. However, for a given noise level and decay time, the SOTEM method provides a deeper investigation than loop TEM without compromising sensitivity. The field examples validated the synthetic results. The loop TEM with dimensions of [Formula: see text] realized a maximum depth of 1000 m, whereas the reliable detection depth of 1500 m was achieved by using a 723 m long grounded wire source using the SOTEM method. Moreover, the labor required is significantly reduced, and the efficiency is dramatically raised using the SOTEM method. Our results predict that the SOTEM method should play a more important role in deep hydrogeophysical investigations.
Association between maternal childhood trauma and offspring childhood psychopathology: Mediation analysis from the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Plant Dominic T. , Jones Fergal W. , Pariante Carmine M. , Pawlby Susan
Published: July 2017

Background

Studies have shown that a mother's history of childhood maltreatment is associated with her child's experience of internalising and externalising difficulties.

Aims

To characterise the mediating pathways that underpin this association.

Method

Data on a mother's history of childhood maltreatment, depression during pregnancy, postnatal depression, maladaptive parenting practices and her child's experience of maltreatment and internalising and externalising difficulties were analysed in an Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) sample of 9397 mother–child dyads followed prospectively from pregnancy to age 13.

Results

Maternal history of childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with offspring internalising and externalising difficulties. Maternal antenatal depression, postnatal depression and offspring child maltreatment were observed to significantly mediate this association independently.

Conclusions

Psychological and psychosocial interventions focused around treating maternal depression, particularly during pregnancy, and safeguarding against adverse childhood experiences could be offered to mothers with traumatic childhood histories to help protect against psychopathology in the next generation.
Differential Associations of Inflammatory Markers With Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion: The Prospective METSIM Study
Authors: Fizelova Maria , Jauhiainen Raimo , Kangas Antti J , Soininen Pasi , Ala-Korpela Mika , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku , Stančáková Alena
Published: July 2017

Context

Low-grade inflammation is involved in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, prospective studies evaluating inflammatory markers as predictors of changes in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity are lacking.

Objective

We investigated the associations of glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, incident type 2 diabetes, hypertension, CVD events, and total mortality in the prospective Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) study.

Design

A prospective study.

Participants

The cross-sectional METSIM study included 8749 nondiabetic Finnish men aged 45 to 73 years, who had been randomly selected from the population register of Kuopio, Finland. A total of 5401 men participated in the 6.8-year follow-up study.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and cardiometabolic traits during the follow-up period and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, CVD events, and total mortality.

Results

During the follow-up period, GlycA was associated with impaired insulin secretion, hyperglycemia, incident type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 1.46) and CVD (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.32). IL-1RA and hs-CRP were associated with adverse changes in insulin sensitivity and obesity-related traits and with total mortality (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.20; and hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.11, respectively).

Conclusions

Inflammatory markers differentially predicted changes in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. GlycA predicted impaired insulin secretion, and IL-1RA and hs-CRP predicted changes in insulin sensitivity. Combining the three markers improved the prediction of disease outcomes, suggesting that they capture different aspects of low-grade inflammation.
The ShcD phosphotyrosine adaptor subverts canonical EGF receptor trafficking
Authors: Wills Melanie K. B. , Lau Hayley R. , Jones Nina
Published: July 2017

Shc family signalling adaptors connect activated transmembrane receptors to proximal effectors, and most also contain a sequence involved in clathrin-mediated receptor endocytosis. Notably, this AP2 adaptin-binding motif (AD) is absent from the ShcD (also known as Shc4) homolog, which also uniquely promotes ligand-independent phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We now report that cultured cells expressing ShcD exhibit reduced EGF uptake, commensurate with a decrease in EGFR surface presentation. Under basal conditions, ShcD colocalises with the EGFR and facilitates its phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and accumulation in juxtanuclear vesicles identified as Rab11-positive endocytic recycling compartments. Accordingly, ShcD also functions as a constitutive binding partner for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl. EGFR phosphorylation and focal accumulation likewise occur upon ShcD co-expression in U87 glioma cells. Loss of ShcD phosphotyrosine-binding function or insertion of the ShcA AD sequence each restore ligand acquisition through distinct mechanisms. The AD region also contains a nuclear export signal, indicating its multifunctionality. Overall, ShcD appears to possess several molecular permutations that actively govern the EGFR, which may have implications in development and disease.
Drawing Snow White and Animating Buzz Lightyear: Technological Toolkit Characteristics and Creativity in Cross-Disciplinary Teams
Authors: Mannucci Pier Vittorio
Published: July 2017

The use of technological tools to execute creative tasks is pervasive within cross-disciplinary teams, yet little attention has been paid to their role in influencing team creativity. In particular, no research has focused on how the characteristics of a team’s technological toolkit—the set of technological tools a team can draw upon to construct its actions—can affect team creativity. I propose that considering the toolkit, rather than just isolated tools, and the multiple functions played by tools is critical to understanding how technology characteristics influence team creativity. I hypothesize that creativity in cross-disciplinary teams is influenced by the size and field diffusion of the team toolkit, with size having a curvilinear relationship with creativity, and diffusion having a positive relationship. Moreover, I hypothesize that these effects will be attenuated when the number of team members who are experts with the focal tool is high. I test and find support for these hypotheses in a study set in the context of the Hollywood animation industry, a knowledge-intensive industry characterized by the presence of cross-disciplinary teams using a variety of technological tools. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Differentiated Time Slot Pricing Under Routing Considerations in Attended Home Delivery
Authors: Klein Robert , Neugebauer Michael , Ratkovitch Dimitri , Steinhardt Claudius
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study an e-grocer’s tactical problem of differentiated time slot pricing in attended home delivery. The purpose of differentiating delivery prices is to influence customers’ choice behavior concerning the offered time slots, such that cost-effective delivery schedules on an operational level can be expected and overall profit is maximized. We present a mixed-integer linear programming formulation of the problem, in which delivery costs are anticipated by explicitly incorporating routing constraints, and we model customer behavior by a general nonparametric rank-based choice model. Concerning cost anticipation, we also propose a model-based approximation that enables application to real-world problem sizes. In a setup inspired by an industry partner operating in urban areas, we then perform a comprehensive computational study that reveals the value of the model-based approximation as a supporting instrument for an e-grocer’s pricing decisions in practice. In particular, we demonstrate the superiority of the model-based approximation for real-world problem sizes to several benchmark approaches applied in the scientific literature and in practice (e.g., a unit price approach and other standard pricing heuristics).

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2017.0738 .
Getting ready to deliver statutory relationships and sex education
Authors: Hallgarten Lisa
Published: July 2017

September 2019 will see the introduction of statutory relationships and sex education. It may seem a while off, but now is the time for schools to start planning and preparing, says Lisa Hallgarten
Evaluating the impact of hyper-sexualisation on the lives of young people
Authors: Enson Stephanie
Published: July 2017

This is the first of a two-part mini-series of articles exploring the impact of hyper-sexualisation and pornography on the lives of young people (particularly females) in relation to their values, beliefs and relationships in today's world.

This first article focuses on exploring the impact of hyper-sexualisation on young people's values, beliefs, expectations and relationships. Preventative strategies are discussed and counteractive measures are suggested.
Urgent action is needed on child health in this Parliament
Authors: Feuchtwang Anna
Published: July 2017

The new government must take urgent action on child health so that health professionals, schools and local authorities can work together effectively to improve outcomes for all children—especially the poorest. Anna Feuchtwang explains
Pupil wellbeing: Understanding the words that go unsaid…
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: July 2017

Picking up on changes in our pupils can help school staff members spot emerging mental health or wellbeing issues. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises
The orthopaedic management of lower limb deformity in hypophosphataemic rickets
Authors: Horn A. , Wright J. , Bockenhauer D. , Van't Hoff W. , Eastwood D. M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Many patients with X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets (X-LHPR) demonstrate significant lower limb deformity despite optimal medical management. This study evaluates the use of guided growth by means of hemi-epiphysiodesis to address coronal plane deformity in the skeletally immature child.

Methods

Since 2005, 24 patients with X-LHPR have been referred to our orthopaedic unit for evaluation. All patients had standardised long leg radiographs that were analysed sequentially before and after surgery if any was performed. The rate of correction of deformity was calculated based on peri-articular angles and diaphyseal deformity angles measured at regular intervals using Traumacad software. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain relevant clinical and demographic details. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

The indication for surgical intervention was a mechanical axis progressing through Zone 2 or in Zone 3 despite one year of optimised medical treatment. The 15 patients underwent 16 episodes of guided growth (30 limbs, 38 segments) at a mean age of 10.3 years. In four limbs, surgery has only taken place recently; and in three limbs, correction is ongoing. Neutral mechanical axis was restored in 16/23 (70%) limbs: six improved and one limb (one segment) required osteotomy for residual deformity. The mean rate of angular correction per month was 0.3° for the proximal tibia and 0.7° for the distal femur. Patients with ≥ 3 years of growth remaining responded significantly better than older patients (p = 0.004). Guided growth was more successful in correcting valgus than varus deformity (p = 0.007). In younger patients, diaphyseal deformity corrected at a rate of 0.2° and 0.6° per month for the tibia and the femur, respectively. There has been one case of recurrent deformity. Patients with corrected coronal plane alignment did not complain of significant residual torsional malalignment. Serum phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels did not affect response to surgery.

Conclusions

Guided growth is a successful, minimally invasive method of addressing coronal plane deformity in X-LHPR. If coronal plane deformity is corrected early in patients with good metabolic control, osteotomy can be avoided.
Assessment of gingival thickness in primary, mixed and permanent dentition: part 3
Authors: Shivani Singh , Vandana Kharidi Laxman
Published: July 2017

Aim and objective: The objective of this in-vivo study was to evaluate gingival thickness of mid buccally and interdentally in primary, mixed & permanent dentition.Method: The study included 40 subjects (22 males and 18 females) with 480 sites of an age range 4-25 Years. Subjects were divided into 3 groups – the primary dentition (4-6 years) mixed dentition (7-13 years) and adult dentition (16-25 years). All the parameters were measured in upper and lower anterior segments.Results: Gingival thickness (GT) was measured arch wise and tooth wise in different dentition and overall dentition wise without differentiating arch wise and toothwise. Gingival thickness (GT) was significantly higher (p=.001) in mixed dentition midbuccally (1.3 +0.46) and interdentally (2.31+0.71) in both the arches. GT (MB) was significantly higher in primary dentition (1.4+0.5) and GT (ID) was significant in mixed dentition (2.6+0.7).Conclusion: Gingival thickness increases from primary to mixed dentition and significantly higher in maxilla.
On the Implementation of Written Exposure Therapy (WET) with Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD
Authors: Sloan Denise M. , Marx Brian P.
Published: July 2017

We provide commentary on the article by Austern (2017) in which several composite PTSD treatment cases with veteran clients are presented. Written Exposure Therapy (WET) was implemented in each case, with varying levels of success. We provide additional background on the development of WET to provide readers with a better understanding of how this treatment was created. We also describe the available efficacy data supporting the use of WET as well as describe efficacy studies that are currently underway. Lastly, we comment on Austern
Baby steps: The expanding financial base of local government in Ireland
Authors: Considine John , Reidy Theresa
Published: July 2017

There are two essential elements to this paper. In the first instance, we explore the specific details of revenue and expenditure trends for local authorities over the last decade. The analysis is framed against a longer-term political context of forty years which focuses especially on the weakness of local government in Ireland. Despite an official narrative of financial overdependence on central government, the comparative examination of budgetary records of local authorities reveals considerable diversity in both the revenue and expenditure patterns of authorities across the state. While some authorities are heavily reliant on central government funding, others have a much stronger base of local funding, and indeed the financial crisis since 2008 may have increased these differences. The second dimension to the research is an exploration of the impact of the great recession from 2008 on local government finance in Ireland. Using a framework of new institutionalism, we identify the crisis as another critical moment for local government. We consider the political, economic and administrative variables which have brought local government to a financial crossroads, and we explore the potential for long-lasting financial change in local government, as well as speculating on the nature and outcome of that change.
Five challenges for public administrations in Europe
Authors: Ongaro Edoardo
Published: July 2017

This article examines five ‘challenges’ facing most administrative systems across Europe. The first challenge stems from the increasingly asymmetric nature of European multilevel governance; the second challenge arises from the missed opportunity of reforming in the absence of a dominant administrative paradigm; the third challenge lies in rescuing and transforming the welfare state; the fourth challenge is concerned with making the most of the knowledge generated in the field of strategic management for strategically managing public services; the fifth challenge lies in staff (de)motivation. These challenges are pitched at very different levels: some are related to issues of public governance, some to issues of scholarly and practitioners’ collective understandings of public administration in Europe, and some to trends in the global economy, and notably the financial, economic and fiscal ‘crises’.
Life-cycle consumption, precautionary saving, and risk sharing: an integrated analysis using household panel data
Authors: Ahn Seung C. , Kim H. Youn , Kang Tong Hee
Published: July 2017

This paper presents an integrated model of household consumption behavior and examines its testable implications for various theories of consumption, using panel data on Korean households. The model is framed with an extended Euler equation by incorporating aggregate/idiosyncratic and anticipated/unanticipated income changes with aggregate and idiosyncratic income risk measures. The model can test seven restricted but competing hypotheses such as life-cycle and precautionary saving with and without liquidity constraints, complete risk sharing, and incomplete risk sharing with and without precautionary saving. Each alternative hypothesis is rejected in favor of the integrated model to explain households’ consumption behavior in the panel.
Comparison of a mobile application to estimate percentage body fat to other non-laboratory based measurements
Authors: Shaw Matthew P. , Robinson Joshua , Peart Daniel J.
Published: July 2017

Study aim: The measurement of body composition is important from a population perspective as it is a variable associated with a person’s health, and also from a sporting perspective as it can be used to evaluate training. This study aimed to examine the reliability of a mobile application that estimates body composition by digitising a two-dimensional image. Materials and methods: Thirty participants (15 men and 15 women) volunteered to have their percentage body fat (%BF) estimated via three different methods (skinfold measurements, SFM; bio-electrical impedance, BIA; LeanScreenTM mobile application, LSA). Intra-method reproducibility was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variance (CV) and typical error of measurement (TEM). The average measurement for each method were also compared. Results: There were no significant differences between the methods for estimated %BF (p = 0.818) and the reliability of each method as assessed via ICC was good (≥0.974). However the absolute reproducibility, as measured by CV and TEM, was much higher in SFM and BIA (≤1.07 and ≤0.37 respectively) compared with LSA (CV 6.47, TEM 1.6). Conclusion: LSA may offer an alternative to other field-based measures for practitioners, however individual variance should be considered to develop an understanding of minimal worthwhile change, as it may not be suitable for a one-off measurement.
Distribution and occurrence of manglicolous marine fungi from eastern and southern Thailand
Authors: Suetrong Satinee , Preedanon Sita , Klaysuban Anupong , Gundool Wunna , Unagul Panida , Sakayaroj Jariya , Promchu Waratthaya , Sangtiean Tanuwong
Published: July 2017

The species diversity of marine fungi was investigated in eastern and southern Thailand. Senescent and decaying woody substrata were collected from intertidal mangrove forests located in Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi Provinces. A total of 99 fungal species was recorded. These included 84 Ascomycota (85%), two Basidiomycota (2%) and 13 asexual fungi (13%). The average percentage occurrence of the fungi recorded from each site ranged from 0.1% to 13.7%. Based on the percentage of samples in which a particular taxon was found, the most frequent fungi were
Tihonov theory and center manifolds for inhibitory mechanisms in enzyme kinetics
Authors: Bersani A. M. , Borri A. , Milanesi A. , Vellucci P.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we study the chemical reaction of inhibition, determine the appropriate parameter ε for the application of Tihonov's Theorem, compute explicitly the equations of the center manifold of the system and find sufficient conditions to guarantee that in the phase space the curves which relate the behavior of the complexes to the substrates by means of the tQSSA are asymptotically equivalent to the center manifold of the system. Some numerical results are discussed.