bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype-Phenotype Associations of APC Mutations With Pouch Adenoma in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Kariv Revital , Rosner Guy , Fliss-Isakov Naomi , Gluck Nathan , Goldstein Adam , Tulchinsky Hagit , Zelber-Sagi Shira
Published: November 2017

Background:

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may carry various adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations. However, genotype-phenotype correlation for APC mutations is still debated and is yet to be evaluated with regard to pouch polyp formation.

Objective:

To evaluate the association between APC mutation type and exon location and the outcome of pouch adenoma.

Design Setting and Patients:

Forty-five FAP patients with defined pathogenic APC mutations, who underwent total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis were classified by mutation type and location. Analysis was conducted for clinical and endoscopic parameters.

Results:

Twenty patients had either indel/deletion mutations and 25 had nonsense/missense mutations. The indel/deletion group was associated with higher prevalence of preoperative hundreds of colonic adenomas (66.7% vs. 30%; P=0.030), lower rates of stapled versus sewn anastomosis (46.7% vs. 76%; P=0.060), of single stage surgery (13.3% vs. 44%; P=0.045) and with higher pouch adenoma formation rate (50% vs. 8%; P=0.002). Twenty-seven were carriers of exons 1 to 14 mutations and 18 were carriers of exon 15 mutations. Carriers of exon 15 mutations had higher prevalence of preoperative hundreds of colonic adenomas (55.6% vs. 22.2%; P=0.003) and a higher tendency for pouch and cuff adenoma formation rate. Adjusted odds ratio for pouch adenoma formation was 8.32 (1.42-48.80; P=0.019) for the indel/deletion group versus nonsense/missense, but no significant independent association was noted with mutation location. The mean number of pouch and cuff adenoma formation (per endoscopy) was higher among carriers of exon 15 mutations, but no significant independent association was noted the with mutation type.

Conclusions:

Type and location of APC mutation are associated with colonic polyp burden, surgical outcome and likelihood of developing pouch adenomas. These findings may contribute to surgical and endoscopic surveillance decisions for FAP patients.
Combining the outcomes of endoscopy, laboratory testing, and professional judgement in gastroenterological decision-making
Authors: Sonnenberg Amnon
Published: November 2017

The need to combine the results of multiple separate tests or make decisions based on the judgement by multiple experts permeates the clinical and professional practice of a gastroenterologist. The present analysis is aimed at delineating four different means to combine results of multiple tests and discuss their applicability and limitations. In serial testing, the overall test outcome is rated as being positive if the outcome is positive in all individual tests applied in series. Serial testing increases the overall specificity at the expense of decreasing sensitivity. In parallel testing, the overall test outcome is rated as being positive if the outcome is positive in any of the multiple tests. Parallel testing increases the overall sensitivity at the expense of decreasing specificity. In majority testing, the overall test outcome follows the rating by the majority of testers. Majority testing avoids the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity associated with serial and parallel testing and leads to relatively high overall values for both test characteristics. For majority testing to function well, however, it requires many independent testers, which can render this method costly and impractical in the clinical setting. Sequential testing applies to situations in which the output of a previous test provides the input for a later test. Sequential testing generally results in an overall test with lower sensitivity and specificity values than any of the individual tests and should be avoided if possible. All methods to improve test performance by combining the results of multiple tests have limitations and need to be regarded with skepticism. In the long run, the best solutions are provided by improvements of the individual test or performance by the individual diagnostician/reviewer through training and acquisition of new skills.
Short article: The endoscopic and histologic findings of infants who have experienced brief resolved unexplained events
Authors: Jarasvaraparn Chaowapong , Gallegos Maria B.R. , Mulekar Madhuri S. , Bin Wang  , Gremse David A. , Crissinger Karen D.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

A brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) describes an event associated with a change in muscle tone, color, respiration, and responsiveness that is unexplained after an appropriate examination. Some infants with higher risk BRUE may undergo endoscopy as part of their evaluation.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to identify the endoscopic findings in infants who have experienced a higher risk BRUE. We also compared the characteristics, prenatal, natal, and postnatal risk factors between 23 infants who underwent endoscopic evaluation and 23 race-matched/sex-matched/term-matched/preterm-matched infants who did not undergo endoscopic evaluation.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study. Infants were identified from a query of medical records using the ICD-10 code for BRUE (R68.13).

Results

Of 119 infants with BRUE, 23 infants with higher risk BRUE underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Apnea (87%) was the most common presentation of BRUE. Most were female (57%) with a mean age at BRUE presentation of 2.73 months. We found 10 (43.5%) term infants and 13 (56.5%) preterm infants in our study. There were no significant differences in characteristics, prenatal, natal, and postnatal risk factors between the infants who underwent endoscopy and those who did not undergo endoscopy. The most common abnormal endoscopic finding was lymphonodular hyperplasia (LNH) associated with eosinophilia in the rectosigmoid colon. The proportion of females in the LNH group was significantly higher than the non-LNH group.

Conclusion

Rectosigmoid LNH and eosinophilia, which are associated with milk soy protein intolerance (MSPI), were the most common findings on endoscopic evaluation. Although there is no proof of causation between MSPI and BRUE, MSPI should be considered in the differential diagnosis for higher risk BRUE.
Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease
Authors: Mieli‐Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego , Baumann Ulrich , Czubkowski Piotr , Debray Dominique , Dezsofi Antal , Fischler Björn , Gupte Girish , Hierro Loreto , Indolfi Giuseppe , Jahnel Jörg , Smets Françoise , Verkade Henkjan J. , Hadžić Nedim
Published: November 2017

Paediatric autoimmune liver disease is characterized by inflammatory liver histology, circulating autoantibodies, and increased levels of IgG, in the absence of a known etiology. Three conditions have a likely autoimmune pathogenesis: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. Two types of pediatric AIH are recognized according to seropositivity for smooth muscle and/or antinuclear antibody (AIH‐1) or liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti‐liver cytosol type 1 antibodies (AIH‐2).

Pertinent issues addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and long‐term follow‐up were formulated by a core group of ESPGHAN members. They have commissioned the first authors with execution of this project. Initially, they have performed a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, ResearchGate, and Mendeley databases during the last 30 years and produced a document focusing on prospective and retrospective studies in children. The ESPGHAN core group and ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee members voted on each recommendation, using a formal voting technique.
Feed‐related Splanchnic Oxygenation in Preterm Infants With Abnormal Antenatal Doppler Developing Gut Complications
Authors: Martini Silvia , Aceti Arianna , Beghetti Isadora , Faldella Giacomo , Corvaglia Luigi
Published: November 2017

Preterm infants with antenatal absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) in umbilical arteries are at major risk for gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal perforation and feeding intolerance. Near‐infrared spectroscopy provides continuous monitoring of splanchnic oxygenation (SrSO2) and may represent a useful tool to predict GI outcomes in this high‐risk population. This observational, pilot study assessed feed‐related SrSO2 patterns at enteral feeding introduction and full enteral feeding (FEF) achievement in twenty AREDF infants with gestational age ⩽34 weeks. Enrolled infants were divided into 2 groups according to the development versus lack of GI complications. Infants developing GI complications showed significantly lower SrSO2 and increased splanchnic oxygen extraction in response to enteral feeds at both enteral feeding introduction and FEF. The potential role of these findings in predicting GI complications in AREDF preterm infants seems promising and deserves further evaluation.
The Stigma of Mental Illness as a Barrier to Self Labeling as Having a Mental Illness
Authors: Stolzenburg Susanne , Freitag Simone , Evans-Lacko Sara , Muehlan Holger , Schmidt Silke , Schomerus Georg
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate whether personal stigma decreases self-identification as having a mental illness in individuals with untreated mental health problems. We interviewed 207 persons with a currently untreated mental health problem as confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview. Measures included symptom appraisal, self-identification as having a mental illness (SELFI), self-labeling (open-ended question on the nature of their problem) stigma-related variables (explicit and implicit), as well as sociodemographics, current symptom severity, and previous treatment. Support for discrimination and implicit stigmatizing attitude were both associated with lower likelihood of self-identification. More social distance and support for discrimination were associated with less self-labeling. Previous treatment was the strongest predictor of symptom appraisal, SELFI, and self-labeling. Destigmatizing mental illness could increase awareness of personal mental health problems, potentially leading to lower rates of untreated mental illness.
Chemsex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: a Sexualized Drug Use Survey Among Clients of the Sexually Transmitted Infection Outpatient Clinic and Users of a Gay Dating App in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Drückler Susanne , van Rooijen Martijn S. , de Vries Henry J.C.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Chemsex (i.e., drug use during sex) is practiced by some men who have sex with men (MSM) and is associated with high-risk behavior. In a cross-sectional study at the sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic of Amsterdam, we explored chemsex practices, risk behavior, and STI prevalence.

Method

A survey on chemsex (γ-hydroxybutyrate, crystal methamphetamine, and/or mephedrone) was offered to clinic clients during routine STI screening and to Amsterdam users of a gay online dating app. Associations were assed using χ
2 test and multivariable regression.

Results

Chemsex in the past 6 months was practiced by 866 (17.6%) of 4925 MSM clients and by 159 (1.5%) of 10857 non-MSM clients. Among gay dating app users, the proportion that reported chemsex engagement was higher than among MSM visiting the STI clinic (29.3% [537/1832] vs. 17.6%; P < 0.001). Chemsex was a significant risk factor for bacterial STI in HIV-negative MSM visiting the STI clinic (adjusted odd ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–1.8), but not in HIV-positive MSM. A majority practiced chemsex once a month or less, and 87.0% reported sex without drug use in the past month.

Conclusions

In Amsterdam, chemsex is frequently practiced and significantly associated with bacterial STI in HIV-negative MSM but not in HIV-positive MSM. Future prevention strategies to reduce STI incidence should especially target HIV-negative MSM engaging in chemsex.
A Stinging Suspicion Something Was Just Not Right
Authors: Pariury Holly E. , Steiniger Aimee M. , Lowe Merlin C.
Published: November 2017

The sting from Centuroides sculpturatus, commonly known as the bark scorpion, is a serious medical problem and can be potentially fatal to young children. Centuroides sculpturatus envenomation can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, often including autonomic dysfunction, cranial nerve abnormalities, and somatic motor abnormalities. We discuss a 6-month-old male infant who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with bark scorpion envenomation, later found to be secondary to methamphetamine toxicity. Emergency pediatricians should be aware of the strong similarities between scorpion envenomation and methamphetamine toxicity in pediatric patients residing in or having visited the southwestern region of the United States. Methamphetamine toxicity should be considered in their differential diagnosis.
Management of the Febrile Young Infant
Authors: Woll Christopher , Neuman Mark I. , Aronson Paul L.
Published: November 2017

Infants aged 90 days or younger with fever are frequently evaluated in the pediatric emergency department. Physical examination findings and individual laboratory investigations are not reliable to differentiate benign viral infections from serious bacterial infections in febrile infants. Clinical prediction models were developed more than 25 years ago and have high sensitivity but relatively low specificity to identify bacterial infections in febrile infants. Newer laboratory investigations such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin have favorable test characteristics compared with traditional laboratory studies such as a white blood cell count. These novel biomarkers have not gained widespread acceptance because of lack of robust prospectively collected data, varying thresholds to define positivity, and differing inclusion criteria across studies. However, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, when combined with other patient characteristics in the step-by-step approach, have a high sensitivity for detection of serious bacterial infection. The RNA biosignatures are a novel biomarker under investigation for detection of bacterial infection in febrile infants.
The Value of Decision Analytical Modeling in Surgical Research
Authors: Tax Casper , Govaert Paulien H. M. , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Besselink Marc G. H. , Gooszen Hein G. , Rovers Maroeska M.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To illustrate how decision modeling may identify relevant uncertainty and can preclude or identify areas of future research in surgery.

Summary Background Data:

To optimize use of research resources, a tool is needed that assists in identifying relevant uncertainties and the added value of reducing these uncertainties.

Methods:

The clinical pathway for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) versus open (ODP) for nonmalignant lesions was modeled in a decision tree. Cost-effectiveness based on complications, hospital stay, costs, quality of life, and survival was analyzed. The effect of existing uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness was addressed, as well as the expected value of eliminating uncertainties.

Results:

Based on 29 nonrandomized studies (3.701 patients) the model shows that LDP is more cost-effective compared with ODP. Scenarios in which LDP does not outperform ODP for cost-effectiveness seem unrealistic, e.g., a 30-day mortality rate of 1.79 times higher after LDP as compared with ODP, conversion in 62.2%, surgically repair of incisional hernias in 21% after LDP, or an average 2.3 days longer hospital stay after LDP than after ODP. Taking all uncertainty into account, LDP remained more cost-effective. Minimizing these uncertainties did not change the outcome.

Conclusions:

The results show how decision analytical modeling can help to identify relevant uncertainty and guide decisions for future research in surgery. Based on the current available evidence, a randomized clinical trial on complications, hospital stay, costs, quality of life, and survival is highly unlikely to change the conclusion that LDP is more cost-effective than ODP.
Modeling the temporal dynamics of the gut microbial community in adults and infants
Authors: Shenhav Liat , Furman Ori , Briscoe Leah , Thompson Michael , Mizrahi Itzhak , Halperin Eran
Published: November 2017

Given the highly dynamic and complex nature of the human gut microbial community, the ability to identify and predict time-dependent compositional patterns of microbes is crucial to our understanding of the structure and function of this ecosystem. One factor that could affect such time-dependent patterns is microbial interactions, wherein community composition at a given time point affects the microbial composition at a later time point. However, the field has not yet settled on the degree of this effect. Specifically, it has been recently suggested that only a minority of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) depend on the microbial composition in earlier times. To address the issue of identifying and predicting temporal microbial patterns we developed a new model, MTV-LMM (Microbial Temporal Variability Linear Mixed Model), a linear mixed model for the prediction of the microbial community temporal dynamics based on the community composition at previous time stamps. MTV-LMM can identify time-dependent microbes in time series datasets, which can then be used to analyze the trajectory of the microbiome over time. We evaluated the performance of MTV-LMM on three human microbiome time series datasets, and found that MTV-LMM significantly outperforms all existing methods for microbiome time series modeling. Particularly, we demonstrate that the effect of the microbial composition in previous time points on the abundance levels of an OTU at a later time point is underestimated by a factor of at least 10 when applying previous approaches. Using MTV-LMM, we demonstrate that a considerable proportion of the human gut microbiome, both in infants and adults, has a significant time-dependent component that can be predicted based on microbiome composition in earlier time points. This suggests that microbiome composition at a given time point is a major factor in defining future microbiome composition and that this phenomenon is considerably more common than previously reported for the human gut microbiome.
Population receptive field tuning properties of visual cortex during childhood
Authors: Dekker T. M. , Schwarzkopf D.S. , de Haas B. , Nardini M. , Sereno M.I.
Published: November 2017

Improvements in visuospatial perception such as contrast sensitivity and Vernier acuity continue until late in childhood, but the neural mechanisms driving these age-related changes are currently unclear. One contributing factor could be the protracted development of spatial tuning of neuronal populations across the visual cortex. Here we tested this possibility using population receptive field (pRF) mapping (Dumoulin and Wandell, 2008) in 6-to 12-year-old children and adults. We fitted pRF models to BOLD signals measured in areas V1-V4 and V3a during fMRI whilst participants watched wedge and ring stimuli traversing the visual field. Cortical magnification and the width of pRF tuning functions changed with viewing eccentricity in all participants. However, there were no age-related changes in pRF size, shape, cortical magnification, or map consistency across any of the visual areas measured. These results suggest that visuospatial perception in late childhood beyond age 6 years is not substantially limited by low-level spatial tuning properties of neuronal populations in visual cortex. Instead, performance improvements in this period may reflect more efficient use of the spatial information available in the visual system when forming perceptual judgments. These findings are an important step towards disentangling which neural mechanisms contribute to the eventual emergence of mature spatial vision, and for understanding the processes that determine the scope for visual plasticity at different stages of life.
Global State Changes Induce Non-reciprocal Reduction of Mutual Information in the Thalamocortical Network
Authors: Verner Ryan , Banks Matthew , Bartlett Edward
Published: November 2017

Understanding the neural mechanisms of loss and recovery of consciousness remains an active area of scientific and clinical interest. Recent models and theories of consciousness implicate thalamus or neocortex as the dominant regions that control global state change, but experimentally testing these theories requires parsing the response properties of the complex thalamocortical network. In this work, we explore information processing using chronic recordings of multiunit activity between thalamus and cortex by targeting either the corticothalamic or thalamocortical pathway with direct electrical stimulation under subhypnotic and just-hypnotic states of isoflurane or dexmedetomidine induced unconsciousness. We found that mutual information between the stimulus and response in the corticothalamic circuit decreases with loss of consciousness, and that the change is not reciprocated in the thalamocortical direction. These changes in mutual information were moderately correlated with changes in evoked rate, and a strong effect of isoflurane on spontaneous and evoked rate accounts for a large portion of the change in mutual information. Further, we found cortical synchrony to increase under sub-and just-hypnotic doses of dexmedetomidine and isoflurane, suggesting cortical responses become more causally dependent on thalamocortical input at reduced levels of consciousness, or unconsciousness. We believe these changes suggest loss of consciousness is associated with a decrease in the number of available cortical network states, and may suggest cognitive unbinding from ascending sensory input.
The Fission Yeast S-Phase Cyclin Cig2 Can Drive Mitosis
Authors: Magner Mira , Pickering Mary , Keifenheim Dan , Rhind Nicholas
Published: November 2017

Commitment to mitosis is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity. In the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe, the major B-type cyclin, Cdc13, is necessary and sufficient to drive mitotic entry. Furthermore, Cdc13 is also sufficient to drive S phase, demonstrating that a single cyclin can regulate alternating rounds of replication and mitosis and providing the foundation of the quantitative model of CDK function. It has been assumed that Cig2, a B-type cyclin expressed only during S-phase and incapable of driving mitosis in wild-type cells, was specialized for S-phase regulation. Here, we show that Cig2 is capable of driving mitosis. Cig2/CDK activity drives mitotic catastrophe—lethal mitosis in inviably small cells—in cells that lack CDK inhibition by tyrosine-phosphorylation. Moreover, Cig2/CDK can drive mitosis in the absence of Cdc13/CDK activity and constitutive expression of Cig2 can rescue loss of Cdc13 activity. These results demonstrate that in fission yeast, not only can the presumptive M-phase cyclin drive S phase, but the presumptive S-phase cyclin can drive M phase, further supporting the quantitative model of CDK function. Furthermore, these results provide an explanation, previously proposed on the basis of computational analyses, for the surprising observation that cells expressing a single-chain Cdc13-Cdc2 CDK do not require Y15 phosphorylation for viability. Their viability is due to the fact that in such cells, which lack Cig2/CDK complexes, Cdc13/CDK activity is unable to drive mitotic catastrophe.
The phylogeography of westslope cutthroat trout
Authors: Young Michael K. , McKelvey Kevin S. , Jennings Tara , Carter Katie , Cronn Richard , Keeley Ernest R. , Loxterman Janet L. , Pilgrim Kristy L. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: November 2017

Identifying units of conservation of aquatic species is fundamental to informed natural resources science and management. We used a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear molecular methods to identify potential units of conservation of westslope cutthroat trout, a taxon native to montane river basins of the northwestern U.S. and southwestern Canada. Mitogenomic sequencing identified two major lineages composed of nine monophyletic clades, and a well-supported subclade within one of these, largely delineated by river basins. Analyses of microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms corroborated most of these groupings, sometimes with less resolution but demonstrating more complex connections among clades. The mitochondrial and nuclear analyses revealed that Pleistocene glacial cycles profoundly influenced the distribution and divergence of westslope cutthroat trout, that this taxon crossed the Continental Divide in two separate events, and that genetically pure but nonindigenous fish were widely distributed. Herein, we recognize nine geographically discrete, cytonuclear lineages largely circumscribed by major river basins as potential units of conservation: 1) John Day; 2) Coeur d’Alene; 3) St. Joe; 4) North Fork Clearwater; 5) Salmon; 6) Clearwater headwaters; 7) Clearwater-eastern Cascades; 8) neoboreal, consisting of most of the Columbia upstream from central Washington, the Fraser in British Columbia, and the South Saskatchewan in Alberta; and 9) Missouri.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a new pyridinium bromide salt: 4-methyl-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)pyridinium bromide
Authors: Said Musa A. , Aouad Mohamed R. , Hughes David L. , Almehmadi Meshal A. , Messali Mouslim
Published: November 2017

In the cation of the title molecular salt, C15H18NO+·Br−, the pyridinium and phenyl rings are inclined to one another by 11.80 (8)°. In the crystal, the Br−anion is linked to the cation by a C—H...Br hydrogen bond. The cations stack along theb-axis direction and are linked by further C—H...Br interactions, and offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distances = 3.5733 (19) and 3.8457 (19) Å], forming slabs parallel to theabplane. The effects of the C—H...X−interaction on the NMR signals of theortho-andmeta-pyridinium protons in a series of related ionic liquids,viz. 4-methyl-1-(4-phenoxybutyl)pyridin-1-ium salts, are reported and discussed.
Crystal structure of the BaII-based CoII-containing one-dimensional coordination polymer poly[[aqua{μ4-2,2′-[(4,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diyl)bis(methylidene)]bis(4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-olato)}perchloratocobaltbarium] perchlorate]
Authors: Paoli Paola , Macedi Eleonora , Rossi Patrizia , Giorgi Luca , Formica Mauro , Fusi Vieri
Published: November 2017

The title compound, {[Ba{Co(H-2L1)}(ClO4)(H2O)]ClO4}n,L1 =4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, is a one-dimensional coordination polymer. The asymmetric unit consists of a {Ba[Co(H–2L1)](ClO4)(H2O)}+cationic fragment and a non-coordinating ClO4−anion. In the neutral [Co(H–2L1)] moiety, the cobalt ion is hexacoordinated in a trigonal–prismatic fashion by the surrounding N4O2donor set. The Ba2+ion is nine-coordinated and exhibits a distorted [BaO9] monocapped square-antiprismatic geometry, the six oxygen atoms coming from three distinct [Co(H–2L1)] moieties, while the remaining three vertices are occupied by the oxygen atoms of a bidentate perchlorate anion and a water molecule. A barium–μ2-oxygen motif develops along theaaxis, connecting symmetry-related dinuclear BaII–CoIIcationic fragments in a wave-like chain, forming a one-dimensional metal coordination polymer. Non-coordinating ClO4−anions are located in the space between the chains. Weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving both coordinating and non-coordinating perchlorate anions build the whole crystal architecture. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a macrocyclic ligand forming a BaII-based one-dimensional coordination polymer, containing CoIIions surrounded by a N4O2donor set.
Crystal structure ofN-[6-amino-5-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-cyano-4-methylsulfanyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-1-yl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Azzam Rasha A. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Elsayed Rasha E. , Jones Peter G.
Published: November 2017

In the title compound, C21H17N5O3S3·C3H7NO, the toluenesulfonamide ring and the combined ring system involving the pyridone and benzothiazole rings subtend an interplanar angle of 39.86 (4)°. The pyridone and benzothiazyl rings are linked by the intramolecular hydrogen bond N—Hamine...Nthiazole. The DMF O atom accepts two classical hydrogen bonds. The molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds and an S...O contact to form layers parallel to thebcplane.
Military expenditures and health: a cross-national study, 1975-2000
Authors: Kentor Jeffrey , Jorgenson Andrew
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Recent sociological research highlights the growth of military expenditures in hi-tech, capital-intensive armaments and technology. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of these capital-intensive expenditures on two related health outcomes: under-five mortality and life expectancy.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes a series of cross-national panel models estimated for a diverse sample of developed and less-developed countries from 1975 to 2000.

Findings

The authors find that hi-tech military expenditures increase under-five mortality and reduce life expectancy over the period studied, by reducing the number and type of soldiers able to take advantage of increased health-related resources obtained in the military and indirectly, by increasing income inequality, which negatively impacts these health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-national study should be supplemented by case studies to better understand the processes being examined.

Practical implications

The increase in capital-intensive military expenditures found worldwide reduces the total number of soldiers in the military and raises their enlistment requirements. This makes it difficult for people with limited human capital to take advantage of the military’s traditional pathway for upward mobility. New pathways for mobility will have to be developed to avoid the creation of a new permanent underclass.

Social implications

There are significant social policy implications for the findings. Hi-tech military expenditures have a significant negative impact on the short- and long-term health outcomes of children and adults, in both developed and less-developed countries, which must be addressed by public policy planners.

Originality/value

This is one of a handful of sociological studies on the impact of military establishment on society. These findings highlight the importance of “bringing the military back in” to the forefront of sociological research.
The country of origin as a preparation stage
Authors: Xypolytas Nikolaos
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the country of origin for understanding the process of migrant exclusion. Migrant exclusion is treated holistically and viewed as a long process of three distinct stages: preparation, allocation and habituation. The focus will be on the analysis of the first stage, which takes place in the country of origin, and its role for the development of the other two equally important stages.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 45 life history interviews with migrant domestic workers from Ukraine, living and working in Greece.

Findings

The research suggests that there are three aspects of life and work in Ukraine that constitute the preparation of migrants for their social and occupational role in the host country and decisively contribute to their exclusion: low-status work in Ukraine, the undermining of familial ties and the need to repay the loans taken for the migration journey.

Originality/value

The paper wishes to contribute to the theoretical and empirical discussion on migrant exclusion and stresses the importance of looking at the country of origin as an analytical tool for a sociological analysis of migration.
Under pressure: an international comparison of job security, social security, and extra effort
Authors: Koster Ferry , Fleischmann Maria
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Previous research leads to contrasting hypotheses about the relationship between extra effort of employees and the level of job security. According to agency theory, job security leads to lower levels of extra effort and social exchange theory argues that extra effort requires job security. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a set of hypotheses based on these theories. Besides considering them as mutually exclusive, they are integrated into a single theoretical framework that argues that both theories can apply, depending on the conditions and social context (in terms of the social security system).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the International Social Survey Program (2005) including 22 countries from around the globe are analyzed using multilevel analysis.

Findings

The study provides evidence that social security moderates the relationship between job security and extra effort.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous research as it focuses on two sides of insecurity in the workplace and because it analyzes a large data set to include institutional factors.
Social workers’ power of entry in adult safeguarding concerns: debates over autonomy, privacy and protection
Authors: Stevens Martin , Martineau Stephen , Manthorpe Jill , Norrie Caroline
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore debates about the powers social workers may need to undertake safeguarding enquiries where access to the adult is denied.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes as a starting point a scoping review of the literature undertaken as part of a study exploring social work responses to situations where they are prevented from speaking to an adult at risk by a third party.

Findings

A power of entry might be one solution to situations where social workers are prevented from accessing an adult at risk. The paper focuses on the Scottish approach to legal powers in adult safeguarding, established by the Adult Support and Protection Act (Scotland) 2007 and draws out messages for adult safeguarding in England and elsewhere. The literature review identified that debates over the Scottish approach are underpinned by differing conceptualisations of vulnerability, autonomy and privacy, and the paper relates these conceptualisations to different theoretical stances.

Social implications

The paper concludes that the literature suggests that a more socially mediated rather than an essentialist understanding of the concepts of vulnerability, autonomy and privacy allows for more nuanced approaches to social work practice in respect of using powers of entry and intervention with adults at risk who have capacity to make decisions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel perspective on debates over how to overcome challenges to accessing adults at risk in adult safeguarding through an exploration of understandings of vulnerability, privacy and autonomy.
Psychological elder abuse: measuring severity levels or potential family conflicts?
Authors: Santos Ana João , Nunes Baltazar , Kislaya Irina , Gil Ana Paula , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Psychological elder abuse (PEA) assessment is described with different thresholds. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the prevalence of PEA and the phenomenon’s characterisation varied using two different thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants from the cross-sectional population-based study, Aging and Violence (n=1,123), answered three questions regarding PEA. The less strict measure considered PEA as a positive response to any of the three evaluated behaviours. The stricter measure comprised the occurrence, for more than ten times, of one or more behaviours. A multinomial regression compared cases from the two measures with non-victims.

Findings

Results show different prevalence rates and identified perpetrators. The two most prevalent behaviours (ignoring/refusing to speak and verbal aggression) occurred more frequently (>10 times). Prevalence nearly tripled for “threatening” from the stricter measure (>10 times) to the less strict (one to ten times). More similarities, rather than differences, were found between cases of the two measures. The cohabiting variable differentiated the PEA cases from the two measures; victims reporting abuse >10 times were more likely to be living with a spouse or with a spouse and children.

Research limitations/implications

Development of a valid and reliable measure for PEA that includes different ranges is needed.

Originality/value

The study exemplifies how operational definitions can impact empirical evidence and the need for researchers to analyse the effect of the definitional criteria on their outcomes, since dichotomization between victim and non-victim affects the phenomenon characterisation.
Dementia: beyond multi-morbidity
Authors: Iliffe Steve , Manthorpe Jill
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of public health perspectives to “come to the aid” of dementia research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on research and policy papers.

Findings

This paper outlines some potential preventive interventions, focussing particularly on life-course phenomena like child poverty, diet and pollution, on the biological mechanisms that enable psychosocial interventions, and on the status of dementia as a syndemic disorder.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the opinions of the authors alone. It is based on recent research evidence and the authors’ experiences of dementia research, education and services. The implications for social scientists and for dementia research funders are contained in discussion of the need for research on prevention and social support for people with dementia and their families. While the evidence to guide primary prevention using psychosocial methods is less secure, the paper outlines a large secondary prevention research agenda in dementia.

Practical implications

Methodological approaches that facilitate harmonisation, pooling and comparison of data, are needed. In practical terms the paper argues that there is a need to know if and how psychosocial interventions work, and improve quality of life or even influence harder outcomes.

Originality/value

Few papers have considered the implications of a public health approach to dementia other than taking an epidemiological approach and focusing on the problems of dementia and rising numbers. This paper argues that a wider view of public health may be of particular relevance to dementia syndrome.
A practical guide for human lab experiments in information systems research
Authors: Jung Dominik , Adam Marc , Dorner Verena , Hariharan Anuja
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Human lab experiments have become an established method in information systems research for investigating user behavior, perception and even neurophysiology. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate experimental research by providing a practical guide on how to implement and conduct lab experiments in the freely available experimental platform Brownie.

Design/methodology/approach

Laying the groundwork of the tutorial, the paper first provides a brief overview of common design considerations for lab experiments and a generic session framework. Building on the use case of the widely used trust game, the paper then covers the different stages involved in running an experimental session and maps the conceptual elements of the study design to the implementation of the experimental software.

Findings

The paper generates findings on how computerized lab experiments can be designed and implemented. Furthermore, it maps out the design considerations an experimenter may take into account when implementing an experiment and organizing it along a session structure (e.g. participant instructions, individual and group interaction, state and trait questionnaires).

Originality/value

The paper reduces barriers for researchers to engage in experiment implementation and replication by providing a step-by-step tutorial for the design and implementation of human lab experiments.
Meeting the needs of older people living at home with dementia who have problems with continence
Authors: Drennan Vari M. , Manthorpe Jill , Ilifffe Steve
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the question of how to meet the needs of older people living at home with dementia who have problems with continence. The paper is focused on social care practice in community settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is practice focused and draws on the authors’ research and experiences in clinical care, workforce development and service improvement.

Findings

This paper summarises research on incontinence and its negative effects on quality of life and care relationships. It describes the impact of incontinence in terms of social embarrassment, restricted social activity, extra work (such as laundry) and costs, but also distress. It links research with care practice, with a focus on people with dementia who may be at particular risk of both continence problems and of assumptions that nothing can be done to assist them.

Social implications

This paper provides questions that could be addressed in commissioning and provision of services and argues that they need to be informed by care practitioners’ experiences. It provides details of sources of support that are available at national and local levels.

Originality/value

This paper draws together research on continence and social care practice to provide a series of self-assessment questions for local services. It focuses on social care workers who are at the frontline of practice including personal assistants and carers.
Bringing Carl Rogers Back In: Exploring the Power of Positive Regard at Work
Authors: Shefer Natalie , Carmeli Abraham , Cohen‐Meitar Ravit
Published: November 2017

We draw on Carl Rogers’ client‐centred therapy theory and the theoretical lens of positive work relationships to explain why and how positive regard can be a powerful source for the development of employees’ sense of vitality, job performance and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs). We theorize that when employees experience relationships characterized by a high level of regard with their co‐workers they are likely to develop a sense of vitality, which in turn results in enhanced job performance and OCBs. These relationships are examined in both experimental and field studies. The results of these multiple studies provide general support for the power of positive regard in augmenting a sense of vitality and enhancing both job performance and citizenship behaviours.
Paid Parental Leave and Female Labour Supply: A Review
Authors: Kalb Guyonne
Published: November 2017

This review is based on the international and Australian literature on paid parental leave. It does not aim to be exhaustive but focuses on the impact paid parental leave has on the labour force participation of mothers in developed countries. Four aspects of paid parental leave are explored, including the impacts of: introducing paid parental leave; changing the duration of existing paid parental leave; changing the generosity of existing paid parental leave payments; and paid paternity leave. It interprets the implications in the context of Australia, and includes descriptive information on the recent and current situation in Australia.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 61 patients with chronic periaortitis including IgG4‐related and non‐IgG4‐related cases
Authors: Kim In Young , Eun Yeong Hee , Jeong Hyemin , Park Taek Kyu , Kim Hyungjin , Lee Jaejoon , Jang Shin Yi , Kim Jung‐Sun , Koh Eun‐Mi , Kim Duk‐Kyung , Cha Hoon‐Suk
Published: November 2017

Aim

Chronic periaortitis (CP) is a disease characterized by a fibro‐inflammatory periaortic cuff and adventitia‐predominant fibrosis. CP encompasses idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and recent studies have documented overlap between CP and immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD). This study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with CP.

Method

CP patients were identified by retrospective review of 1245 patients with International Classification of Diseases 10th edition code of aortitis or aortic disease. Patients were further classified into IgG4‐related and non‐IgG4‐related CP according to the criteria proposed by a Japanese study.

Results

A total of 61 CP patients were identified. Patients showed a male predominance (70%) with median age of 61 at diagnosis. The abdominal aorta was most commonly involved (84%), while the thoracic aorta was affected in 46% of patients. Twenty‐three (38%) patients had accompanying aortic aneurysm. Approximately 60% of patients achieved remission without further relapse during the course. Ten patients were classified as IgG4‐related and 25 as non‐IgG4‐related. There was no significant difference in clinical features and outcomes between groups, with the exception of older age and greater pancreas involvement in IgG4‐related patients.

Conclusion

We documented 61 CP patients including 10 IgG4‐related cases. CP involved the abdominal aorta in most patients and the thoracic aorta in approximately 50% of patients. IgG4‐related CP patients were older and had greater pancreas involvement, but disease outcomes appeared to be similar between IgG4‐related and non‐IgG4‐related CP.
Histopathological aspects of cardiovascular lesions in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Takahashi Kei , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Yokouchi Yuki
Published: November 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the commonest vasculitic syndrome. It affects medium‐sized arteries, principally the coronary arteries. Histologically, coronary arteritis begins at 6 to 8 days after the onset of KD and the inflammation rapidly involves all layers of the artery. This results in severe damage to the structural components of the artery leading to arterial dilation. The inflammatory infiltrate in KD arteritis is characterized predominantly by infiltration of monocytes and macrophages. Activated neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages are believed to be involved in the initial stage of coronary arteritis. Inflammatory cell infiltration may continue for up to 25 days of disease following which the inflammatory cells gradually decline in number. Inflammatory lesions in the arteries are relatively synchronous as they evolve from an acute to the chronic stage. If a giant aneurysm remains or vessel recanalization occurs after thrombotic occlusion of an aneurysm, the remodeling of vascular structures may continue for a much longer time.
Role of glucocorticoids in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Miura Masaru
Published: November 2017

Although treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) with aspirin is the standard of care for children with Kawasaki disease (KD), 15–20% of patients fail to respond and experience persistent or recurrent fever after completion of IVIg administration. These IVIg non‐responders are at high risk for coronary artery lesions (CAL), and may need alternative or supplemental therapy. Based on retrospective studies (albeit with low evidence levels), glucocorticoid therapy was hitherto thought to worsen CAL. However, subsequent prospective studies have shown that prednisolone or IV methylprednisolone pulse as the initial or rescue therapy is effective in reducing CAL. A clinical trial known as the Randomized controlled trial to Assess Immunoglobulin plus Steroid Efficacy for KD (RAISE) Study, demonstrated the efficacy of prednisolone with initial IVIg, especially in predicted IVIg non‐responders. Several meta‐analyses have also supported the use of glucocorticoids for patients with severe forms of KD. Glucocorticoids can be considered as pre‐emptive therapy for children with severe KD and as rescue therapy for initial non‐responders. However, routine use of glucocorticoids in KD remains a contentious issue and would need further study.