bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Transarterial Embolization/Chemoembolization-Based Locoregional Treatment with Sorafenib Prolongs the Survival in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Preserved Liver Function: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Chien Shih-Chieh , Chen Chiung-Yu , Cheng Pin-Nan , Liu Yi-Shan , Cheng Hsiu-Chi  , Chuang Chiao-Hsiung , Chang Ting-Tsung , Chiu Hong-Chi , Lin Yih-Jyh , Chiu Yen-Cheng
Published: June 2018

Background: Sorafenib is the standard treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the treatment outcome is not satisfactory. We retrospectively analyzed whether adding transarterial embolization/chemoembolization (TA(C)E)-based locoregional therapy to sorafenib can further improve treatment efficacy. Patients and Methods: We included 147 BCLC stage C HCC patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A liver function and treated with sorafenib for analysis. Through propensity score matching, we divided patients into the combined treatment group (n = 63; patients received TA(C)E-based locoregional treatment and sorafenib) and the sorafenib monotherapy group (n = 63). We analyzed the effects of patients’ clinical and tumor-related factors on their overall survival (OS) and time to tumor progression. Results: The OS was better in the combined treatment group than in the sorafenib monotherapy group (419 vs. 223 days, p = 0.028). In the Cox regression model, combined treatment, a lower baseline α-fetoprotein (AFP) level < 400 ng/mL, tumors without main portal venous tumorous thrombosis, and age ≥60 years were identified as independent factors for OS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients with a higher baseline AFP level > 400 ng/mL, age < 60 years, tumors with branched portal venous tumorous thrombosis only or without extrahepatic metastasis benefited the most from combined treatment. Conclusion: Combining TA(C)E-based locoregional treatment with sorafenib resulted in better OS in patients with BCLC stage C HCC compared with sorafenib alone. TA(C)E-based locoregional treatment can be an adjunctive treatment to sorafenib for patients with advanced HCC and a satisfactory liver functional reserve.
Spontaneous Resolution of IgG4-Related Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor Mimicking Malignancy
Authors: Patel Hiren , Nanavati Sushant , Ha Jewook , Shah Amol , Baddoura Walid
Published: June 2018

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is characterized by a well-circumscribed benign tumor mimicking or often mistaken for a malignant lesion. A 48-year-old male presented to the hospital with complaints of epigastric pain, with initial laboratory findings showing mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase (140 U/L) with normal AST, ALT, bilirubin, and lipase, a CD4 count of 384, and an HIV viral load of > 10 million copies. The total IgG level was elevated to 2,228 mg/dL (normal IgG4 level 114 mg/dL). Contrast-enhanced MRI of the abdomen showed heterogeneous mass-like infiltration in the right lobe of the liver measuring 9.6 cm. The liver mass was biopsied which showed dense collagenous fibrosis with abundant lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with 18 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field. The patient was not given any treatment for this IPT. For more than 1 year of follow-up triple-phase CT scan of the liver was repeated, which showed no liver mass. As radiological images of hepatic IPTs, including IgG4-related hepatic IPT, mimic liver malignancy, histological analysis of the biopsy remains the cornerstone for the diagnosis. Symptomatic patients with IgG4-related hepatic IPT have shown improvement with corticosteroid use; however, spontaneous resolution has also been reported like in the present case.
Genomic Profiling Reveals Medullary Thyroid Cancer Misdiagnosed as Lung Cancer
Authors: Gordon Eva J. , Parker David , Barth Kelly , Pena Jennifer , Elvin Julia A. , DeLeon Thomas , Karlin Nina J.
Published: June 2018

Mutations or other alterations in the RET gene have been implicated in a variety of malignancies – most commonly thyroid, but also chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and lung, breast, pancreatic, and colon cancers. Here we present a case of a gentlemen initially diagnosed with and treated for non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma. Genomic profiling of his tumor specimen revealed a RET point mutation with a known association with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Further pathological and molecular diagnostic evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of MTC, leading to a change in treatment from standard chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer to targeted therapy against RET and potential implications regarding inherited cancer risk for his offspring. The patient experienced a clinical response to treatment and several months of improved quality of life. This case illustrates the capacity of genomic profiling to uncover molecular drivers of disease and help ensure proper diagnosis and management of cancer.
Infective Endocarditis After Melody Valve Implantation in the Pulmonary Position: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdelghani Mohammad , Nassif Martina , Blom Nico A. , Van Mourik Martijn S. , Straver Bart , Koolbergen David R. , Kluin Jolanda , Tijssen Jan G. , Mulder Barbara J. M. , Bouma Berto J. , de Winter Robbert J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Infective endocarditis (
IE
) after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (
TPVI
) in dysfunctioning right ventricular outflow tract conduits has evoked growing concerns. We aimed to investigate the incidence and the natural history of
IE
after
TPVI
with the Melody valve through a systematic review of published data.

Methods and Results

PubMed,
EMBASE
, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles published until March 2017, reporting on
IE
after
TPVI
with the Melody valve. Nine studies (including 851 patients and 2060 patient‐years of follow‐up) were included in the analysis of the incidence of
IE
. The cumulative incidence of
IE
ranged from 3.2% to 25.0%, whereas the annualized incidence rate ranged from 1.3% to 9.1% per patient‐year. The median (interquartile range) time from
TPVI
to the onset of
IE
was 18.0 (9.0–30.4) months (range, 1.0–72.0 months). The most common findings were positive blood culture (93%), fever (89%), and new, significant, and/or progressive right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (79%); vegetations were detectable on echocardiography in only 34% of cases. Of 69 patients with
IE
after
TPVI
, 6 (8.7%) died and 35 (52%) underwent surgical and/or transcatheter reintervention. Death or reintervention was more common in patients with new/significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (69% versus 33%;
P
=0.042) and in patients with non‐streptococcal
IE
(73% versus 30%;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of
IE
after implantation of a Melody valve is significant, at least over the first 3 years after
TPVI
, and varies considerably between the studies. Although surgical/percutaneous reintervention is a common consequence, some patients can be managed medically, especially those with streptococcal infection and no right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
A Tale of Two Antiquities: A Fresh Evaluation of the Relationship between the Ancient Histories of T. Flavius Josephus and Dionysius of Halicarnassus
Authors: Cowan J. Andrew
Published: June 2018

Although it was once widely held that Josephus’s historical work,Jewish Antiquities, is modelled after theRoman Antiquitiesof Dionysius of Halicarnassus, recent years have seen some reject this view and others develop the suggestion that Josephus treats Dionysius’s work as a foil. This article provides a fresh evaluation of this debate by giving careful attention to each of the areas that have played a significant role in the discussion. After examining the areas of the basic similarities highlighted by Henry St. John Thackeray, style, historiography, general content and themes, and apologetic arguments, the essay concludes that features of the works’ content and apologetic arguments provide the strongest evidence for a direct relationship, and that the specifics of these features support the view that Josephus modeled aspects of his work after that of Dionysius and also intended to imply the superiority of the Jewish tradition over that of Rome.
Using ancestral state reconstruction methods for onomasiological reconstruction in multilingual word lists
Authors: Jäger Gerhard , List Johann-Mattis
Published: June 2018

Current efforts in computational historical linguistics are predominantly concerned with phylogenetic inference. Methods for ancestral state reconstruction have only been applied sporadically. In contrast to phylogenetic algorithms, automatic reconstruction methods presuppose phylogenetic information in order to explain what has evolved when and where. Here we report a pilot study exploring how well automatic methods for ancestral state reconstruction perform in the task of onomasiological reconstruction in multilingual word lists, where algorithms are used to infer how the words evolved along a given phylogeny, and reconstruct which cognate classes were used to express a given meaning in the ancestral languages. Comparing three different methods, Maximum Parsimony, Minimal Lateral Networks, and Maximum Likelihood on three different test sets (Indo-European, Austronesian, Chinese) using binary and multi-state coding of the data as well as single and sampled phylogenies, we find that Maximum Likelihood largely outperforms the other methods. At the same time, however, the general performance was disappointingly low, ranging between 0.66 (Chinese) and 0.79 (Austronesian) for the F-Scores. A closer linguistic evaluation of the reconstructions proposed by the best method and the reconstructions given in the gold standards revealed that the majority of the cases where the algorithms failed can be attributed to problems of independent semantic shift (homoplasy), to morphological processes in lexical change, and to wrong reconstructions in the independently created test sets that we employed.
The effect of dictionary omissions on phylogenies computationally inferred from lexical data
Authors: Yanovich Igor
Published: June 2018

Lexical datasets used for computational phylogenetic inference suffer a unique type of data error. Some words actually present in a language may be absent from the dataset at no fault of its curators: especially for lesser-studied languages, a word may be missing from all available sources such as dictionaries. It is thus important to be able to (i) check how robust one’s inferences are to dictionary omission errors, and (ii) incorporate the knowledge that such errors may be present into one’s inference. I introduce two simple techniques that work towards those goals, and study the possible effects of dictionary omission errors in two real-life case studies on the Lezgian and Uralic datasets from Kassian (2015) and Syrjänen et al. (2013), respectively. The effects of dictionary omission turn out to be moderate (Lezgian) to negligible (Uralic), and certainly far less significant than the possible effects of modeling choices, including priors, on the inferred phylogeny, as demonstrated in the Uralic case study. Assessing the possible effects of dictionary omissions is advisable, but severe problems are unlikely. Collecting significantly larger lexical datasets, in order to overcome sensitivity to priors, is likely more important than expending resources on verifying data against dictionary omissions.
Trachelomonas volzii vs T. dubia (Euglenophyceae)—one or two separate species? Study on similarities and differences of the species
Authors: PONIEWOZIK MAŁGORZATA , WOŁOWSKI KONRAD , PIĄTEK JOLANTA
Published: June 2018

This study concerns the two species Trachelomonas volzii and T. dubia which were examined for similarities and dissimilarities of their loricae and monads organization. We specifically focused on the key features of both species that were originally used to separate one from the other: annular thickening at the base of collar and dimensions and ornamentation of loricae. Loricae of specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy and the results were compared with the literature data describing these taxa and reported occurrences in the world. The species together with their varieties and forms do not appear to have strong characteristics distinguishing them, rather the variability observed fits natural phenotypic changes. Based on evidence from this study, we recommend combining these two taxa and propose T. volzii as the single taxon. We also examined a set of varieties of original T. volzii since the species contained several varieties that were almost identical in relation to lorica structure and occurrence. As a result of these observations, we propose the following varieties: Trachelomonas volzii var. volzii as a nominative variety, T. volzii var. australis, T. volzii var. sulcata, T. volzii var. inflata, T. volzii var. acidophila. Furthermore, we propose reclassifying some taxa and the new combinations such as: T. dubia var. ornata to T. volzii var. ornata and T. dubia var. colliundulata to T. volzii var. colliundulata. In our opinion, T. dubia fo. acuminata should be included with the species T. hexangulata due to its unique, hexagonal shaped lorica.
Lamprospora sylvatica (Pyronemataceae), a new bryophilous ascomycete on Dicranum montanum
Authors: EGERTOVÁ ZUZANA , ECKSTEIN JAN , SOCHOR MICHAL , VEGA MARCEL
Published: June 2018

Lamprospora sylvatica is described as a new species based on finds from Ukraine, Slovakia, Germany and Norway. It is characterised by the combination of the following features: pinkish, orange to reddish-orange apothecia with a fimbriate margin, globose ascospores with more or less regular areolate ornamentation, infecting strong rhizoids of Dicranum montanum with an infectious structure consisting of a one-celled appressorium surrounded by a multi-layered cluster of thick-walled cells and haustorium within the rhizoids. The apothecia were always found on rotten wood, which is an unusual habitat for hosts of bryophilous Pezizales. The new species is compared to similar taxa morphologically and by means of DNA sequencing. In the phylogenetic analysis based on LSU and ITS regions, L. sylvatica forms a well-supported clade close to L. feurichiana (on Ceratodon purpureus), L. kristiansenii (also on C. purpureus) and L. campylopodis (on Campylopus spp.).
Epiphytic Jania in New Zealand: Jania sphaeroramosa sp. nov. (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: TWIST BRENTON A. , SUTHERLAND JUDY E. , NELSON WENDY A.
Published: June 2018

A new epiphytic species, Jania sphaeroramosa sp. nov., is described from rocky reef intertidal zones around the coast of New Zealand and associated islands. This species forms round tufts on a range of hosts. Thalli display a unique three-dimensional growth form, built up with multiple layers of dichotomous fronds. The thalli are dichotomously branched with intergenicula that are 190–330 µm long and 80–140 µm wide. Previously identified as Jania micrarthrodia in New Zealand, phylogenetic analyses of this epiphytic species, using psbA and nSSU genes, resolved New Zealand specimens separately from Australian specimens of Jania micrathrodia. This epiphyte does not conform to the description of any previously described species of Jania from New Zealand.
Chamaelirium viridiflorum (Melanthiaceae), a new species from Jiangxi, China
Authors: LIU ZHONG-CHENG , FENG LU , WANG LEI , LIAO WEN-BO
Published: June 2018

Chamaelirium viridiflorum (Melanthiaceae), a new species from southern Jiangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to C. koidzumiana in their ellipitic or ovate leaf blade and slender petiole, but differs by its zygomorphic flowers and unequal tepals. Besides Chamaelirium viridiflorum is also similar to C. shiwandashanensis in their actinomorphic flowers, but distinguished by its spatulate to obovate leaf blade, distinct petiole and 0.8–1.1 cm long tepals. This new species has an obvious feature that the color of tepals is still greenish at the end of the flowering period.
Two new species of Astyanax Baird & Girard (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Paraguaçu basin, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: ZANATA ANGELA M. , BURGER RAFAEL , CAMELIER PRISCILA
Published: June 2018

Astyanax lorien and A. rupestris are described from tributaries of upper rio Paraguaçu basin, Bahia, Brazil. Both species shares the majority of the characters currently used to define the Astyanax scabripinnis species complex, with highest body depth approximately at vertical through pectoral-fin midlength and a low number of branched anal-fin rays (15–21). Astyanax lorien is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters, including presence of small bony hooks on all fins of mature males, a unique vertically elongate humeral blotch, and ventral margin of the third infraorbital close to the horizontal limb of preopercle. Astyanax rupestris is distinguished from its congeners also by a combination of characters, including ventral margin of third infraorbital distinctly separated from horizontal limb of preopercle, leaving a broad area without superficial bones, absence of midlateral stripe on body, absence of blotch on caudal peduncle, and presence of a vertically elongated conspicuous dark humeral blotch, not bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by distinct unpigmented areas. Both species are apparently endemic to the upper portion of the Paraguaçu river basin, within the Chapada Diamantina domain.
Two new sympatric troglobitic freshwater flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Dugesiidae) from a hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in the Neotropics
Authors: HELLMANN LINDSEY , LEAL-ZANCHET ANA MARIA , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: June 2018

The Areias System, situated in the Atlantic Forest, is considered a hotspot of troglobitic diversity in Brazil. Herein we describe two new sympatric, troglobitic species of Girardia occurring in this system. Both species show minute eyes; one of them has a whitish body, and the other scattered, fine pigmentation over the dorsal surface. Regarding the copulatory apparatus, one of the species shows a bulbar cavity with multiple diverticula and a bursal canal of the angled type, whereas the other has a single, ovoid bulbar cavity and a smoothly curved bursal canal, among other distinguishing features. Thus, each species can be differentiated by a unique combination of features in its external morphology and copulatory apparatus. Both present a restricted distribution, occurring in a group of pools in travertine rock formed by water from the epikarst. The morphological features of both species and this sampling location indicate that both species are stygobionts
On the Linearity of Local and Regional Temperature Changes from 1.5°C to 2°C of Global Warming
Authors: King Andrew D. , Knutti Reto , Uhe Peter , Mitchell Daniel M. , Lewis Sophie C. , Arblaster Julie M. , Freychet Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Given the Paris Agreement it is imperative there is greater understanding of the consequences of limiting global warming to the target 1.5° and 2°C levels above preindustrial conditions. It is challenging to quantify changes across a small increment of global warming, so a pattern-scaling approach may be considered. Here we investigate the validity of such an approach by comprehensively examining how well local temperatures and warming trends in a 1.5°C world predict local temperatures at global warming of 2°C. Ensembles of transient coupled climate simulations from multiple models under different scenarios were compared and individual model responses were analyzed. For many places, the multimodel forced response of seasonal-average temperatures is approximately linear with global warming between 1.5° and 2°C. However, individual model results vary and large contributions from nonlinear changes in unforced variability or the forced response cannot be ruled out. In some regions, such as East Asia, models simulate substantially greater warming than is expected from linear scaling. Examining East Asia during boreal summer, we find that increased warming in the simulated 2°C world relative to scaling up from 1.5°C is related to reduced anthropogenic aerosol emissions. Our findings suggest that, where forcings other than those due to greenhouse gas emissions change, the warming experienced in a 1.5°C world is a poor predictor for local climate at 2°C of global warming. In addition to the analysis of the linearity in the forced climate change signal, we find that natural variability remains a substantial contribution to uncertainty at these low-warming targets.
Convective Variability Associated with the Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation in the South China Sea Region
Authors: Xu Weixin , Rutledge Steven A.
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the convective cloud population, precipitation microphysics, and lightning activity associated with the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) over the South China Sea (SCS) and surrounding landmasses. SCS rainfall shows a marked 30–60-day intraseasonal variability. This variability is less evident over land. The population of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and the stratiform rain fraction over the SCS, Philippines, and Indochina increase remarkably after the onset of BSISO. Convection over the SCS during inactive periods exhibits a trimodal population including shallow cumulus, congestus, and deep convection, mirroring the situation over tropical open oceans. The shallow mode is absent over land. Shallow cumulus clouds rapidly transition to congestus clouds over the SCS under active BSISO conditions. Over land, deep convection and lightning lead total rainfall and MCSs by 2–3 BSISO phases, whereas they are somewhat in phase over the SCS. Although convective instability over the SCS is larger during active periods compared to inactive periods, variability in convective intensity and precipitation microphysics is minimal, with active periods showing only higher frequency of moderate ice scattering and 30-dBZ heights extending to −10°C. Over the Philippines and Indochina, inactive phases exhibit substantially stronger ice scattering signatures, robust mixed-phase microphysics, and higher lightning flash rates, possibly due to greater convective instability and a stronger convective diurnal cycle. Total rainfall, convective environments, and convective structures over Borneo are all out of phase with that over the Philippines and Indochina, while southern China shows little BSISO variability on convective intensity and lightning frequency.
Assessment of Doppler Radar Radial Wind Observation Quality from Different Echo Sources for Assimilation during the Sydney 2014 Forecast Demonstration Project
Authors: Rennie Susan , Steinle Peter , Seed Alan , Curtis Mark , Xiao Yi
Published: June 2018

A new quality control system, primarily using a naïve Bayesian classifier, has been developed to enable the assimilation of radial velocity observations from Doppler radar. The ultimate assessment of this system is the assimilation of observations in a pseudo-operational numerical weather prediction system during the Sydney 2014 Forecast Demonstration Project. A statistical analysis of the observations assimilated during this period provides an assessment of the data quality. This will influence how observations will be assimilated in the future, and what quality control and errors are applicable. This study compares observation-minus-background statistics for radial velocities from precipitation and insect echoes. The results show that with the applied level of quality control, these echo types have comparable biases. With the latest quality control, the clear air observations of wind are apparently of similar quality to those from precipitation and are therefore suitable for use in high-resolution NWP assimilation systems.
An Observational and Modeling Study of Mesoscale Air Masses with High Theta-E
Authors: Hanft Wolfgang , Houston Adam L.
Published: June 2018

Typically, the cool side of an airmass boundary is stable to vertical motions due to its associated negative buoyancy. However, under certain conditions, the air on the cool side of the boundary can undergo a transition wherein it assumes an equivalent potential temperature and surface-based convective available potential energy that are higher than those of the air mass on the warm side of the boundary. The resultant air mass is herein referred to as a mesoscale air mass with high theta-e (MAHTE). Results are presented from an observational and mesoscale modeling study designed to examine MAHTE characteristics and the processes responsible for MAHTE formation and evolution. Observational analysis focuses on near-surface observations of an MAHTE in northwestern Kansas on 20 June 2016 collected with a Combined Mesonet and Tracker. The highest equivalent potential temperature is found to be 15–20 K higher than what was observed in the warm sector and located 2–5 km on the cool side of the boundary. This case was also modeled using WRF-ARW to examine the processes involved in MAHTE formation that could not be inferred through observations alone. Model analysis indicates that differential vertical advection of equivalent potential temperature across the boundary is important for simulated MAHTE formation. Specifically, deeper vertical mixing/advection in the warm sector reduces moisture (equivalent potential temperature), while vertical motion/mixing is suppressed on the cool side of the boundary, thereby allowing largely unmitigated insolation-driven increases in equivalent potential temperature. Model analysis also suggests that surface moisture fluxes were unimportant in simulated MAHTE formation.
Perceptual Thresholds for Vibration Transmitted to Road Cyclists
Authors: Ayachi Fouaz S. , Drouet Jean-Marc , Champoux Yvan , Guastavino Catherine
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

In this article, we seek to determine how sensitive road cyclists are to vertical vibration transmitted while riding a road bicycle and to propose metrics for the evaluation of dynamic comfort.

Background:

Road cyclists are exposed to random-type excitation due to road roughness. Vibration transmitted affects dynamic comfort. But how sensitive are cyclists to vibration level? What are the best metrics to measure the amount of vibration transmitted to cyclists? Previous studies used sinusoidal excitation with participants on rigid seats and measured acceleration.

Methods:

We use a psychophysical estimation of Just Noticeable Differences in Level (JNDL) for vertical vibration transmitted to cyclists on a road simulator. In Experiment 1, we estimate the JNDL for whole-body vibration using vertical excitation on both wheels simultaneously (20 male cyclists). In Experiment 2, we estimate the JNDL at two different points of contact by applying the same signal to only the hands or the buttocks (9 male cyclists).

Results:

The JNDLs are expressed in terms of acceleration and power transmitted to the cyclist. We compare the JNDLs expressed with these 2 metrics and measured at different points of contact.

Conclusion:

Using these two metrics and at all points of contact, vibration magnitude needs to be reduced by at least 15%, for the change to be detectable by road cyclists.

Application:

A road bicycle needs to transmit at least 15% less vibration for male cyclists to detect an improvement in dynamic comfort. Dynamic bicycle comfort can be measured in terms of a new metric: power transmitted to the cyclist.
The Importance of Coping and Emotion Regulation in the Occurrence of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Ong Elsie , Thompson Catherine
Published: June 2018

Research has shown that the use of maladaptive coping strategies and difficulties in regulating mood are linked to increasing risk of suicide. This study measured the impact of coping and emotion regulation on suicidal behavior in a sample of Asian students. The aim was to determine whether different coping strategies and methods of expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal would be associated with suicidal behavior. One hundred and twenty undergraduate students were recruited from The Open University in Hong Kong and all completed questionnaires that measured coping, emotional regulation, and suicidal behavior. The results showed that increased avoidance coping was associated with increased suicidal behavior, whereas increased cognitive reappraisal was associated with reduced risk of suicidal behavior. Specifically, in an Asian student population, avoidance coping appears to be a risk factor for suicide, while cognitive reappraisal may be seen as a positive, protecting strategy.
African American Gender Roles: A Content Analysis of Empirical Research From 1981 to 2017
Authors: Jones Martinque K. , Buque Mariel , Miville Marie L.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore how gender roles research has been conducted among African Americans in the psychological literature. Accordingly, we completed a content analysis of empirical studies on this topic. We utilized the Table of Contents of several psychology journals, psychological databases, and search engines to identify relevant literature. Articles included for review met the following criteria: (a) published between 1981 and 2017, (b) empirically based, (c) psychologically focused on gender- or sex-role constructs, and (d) included samples that were solely African American or consisted of a substantial number of African American participants (range: 17-3,000). Qualifying articles ( N = 56) were categorized into one of five content areas (i.e., Self-Concept and Social Identity, Scale Development and Validation, Personality, Family and Gender Role Socialization, and Education/Vocation). We also analyzed sample characteristics, research methods, and publication trends across studies. A majority of the reviewed studies included samples of adults, utilized quantitative methods, and were published within the past 18 years. Using the results of the analysis, we highlight the strengths and limitations of the current scholarship focused on gender roles among African Americans and offer suggestions regarding future research and its significance within the field of Black psychology.
International migration and gendered dreams of youths in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Karupiah Premalatha
Published: June 2018

This paper discusses how the culture of migration influences the aspirations of undergraduate students in Tamil Nadu. Migration aspirations among Tamil youths may be influenced by strong historical and contemporary migration culture. Data for this study were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with 30 undergraduate students in Chennai. Findings were divided into three main themes: career-focused versus marriage-focused plans after graduation; escaping gendered and hierarchical relationships; and having a US-born child. The findings show that male students tended to focus on career and family obligations while female students focused on marriage migration. This study shows that a culture of migration, family obligation and the influence of traditional gender roles influence youths’ migration dreams.
Making matters worse by trying to make them better? Exploring vicious circles of decision in hybrid partnerships
Authors: Ungureanu Paula , Bertolotti Fabiola , Mattarelli Elisa , Bellesia Francesca
Published: June 2018

Our research is concerned with how and why vicious circles of decision occur in hybrid partnerships. The literature reports three types of decision dysfunctions that can alter the trajectory of multi-stakeholder collaborations: escalation of commitment, procrastination and indecision. While previous studies focused on one dysfunction at a time, we inquire about cases in which dysfunctions coexist and interact in the same partnership. Employing multiple sources of qualitative data, we conducted a longitudinal field study in a cross-sector partnership that co-created and managed a science park. We offer an in-depth account of ‘vicious circles of decision’ in which partners’ attempts to solve a dysfunction paradoxically led to the accumulation of additional dysfunctions. We explain that the process is more likely to happen when solutions are (1) conditioned by the very risk–opportunity tensions they try to solve and (2) inscribed in material artefacts for greater visibility. As well as augmenting the literature on hybrid partnerships, we contribute to the debate in organization studies about the evolution of collaborations within frames of concurrent risk–opportunity tensions and theorize about the role of materiality in such processes.
Idiopathic Colitis in Rhesus Macaques Is Associated With Dysbiosis, Abundant Enterochromaffin Cells and Altered T-Cell Cytokine Expression
Authors: Laing Steven T. , Merriam David , Shock Barbara C. , Mills Sarah , Spinner Abbie , Reader Rachel , Hartigan-O’Connor Dennis J.
Published: June 2018

Idiopathic chronic diarrhea (ICD) is a common ailment affecting captive rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta). ICD cases are characterized by diarrhea in the absence of commonly identified diarrheal pathogens and multiple recurrences even after supportive therapy. Histologically, the disease is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic colitis. We identified 35 rhesus macaques euthanized for ICD during a 7-month period and described demographic, clinical, histologic, and immunologic commonalities. We found a trend of historic Campylobacter spp. and trichomonad infections. Furthermore, rhesus macaques with ICD demonstrated loss of normal colonic adherent bacterium, identified in this study as Helicobacter macacae; increased abundance of Pentatrichomonas hominis; and increased frequency of colonic serotonin-positive enterochromaffin cells. Interestingly, colonic and ileal T-helper cells of animals with ICD manifested decreased capacity for expression of certain cytokines, in particular interleukin (IL)–4 and IL-13. These data further describe a common ailment and suggest new avenues to identify complex interactions involved in the etiology of recurring diarrhea in young rhesus macaques.
Pathological Findings in the Pituitary Glands of Dogs and Cats
Authors: Polledo Laura , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Graham Peter , Dunning Mark , Baiker Kerstin
Published: June 2018

With the exception of classic functional adenomas in dogs and horses, pituitary lesions are infrequently described in the veterinary literature. Approximately 10% of pituitary glands from asymptomatic humans contain abnormalities, but the equivalent proportion in small animals is unknown. Pituitary glands from 136 dogs and 65 cats collected during routine necropsies were examined to determine the prevalence of pituitary lesions and their histopathological diagnosis. Lesions were characterized in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Gordon and Sweet’s and reticulin stains, and immunohistochemistry for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone, melanocyte stimulating hormone–α, and prolactin. Pituitary abnormalities were identified in 36 of 136 (26.4%) dogs and 10 of 65 (15.3%) cats. Cystic changes were the most common lesion, occurring in 18 (13.2%) dogs and 8 (12.3%) cats. Pituitary neoplasia was detected in 14.1% (12/85) of middle-aged and old dogs; 1 (1.5%) cat had pituitary nodular hyperplasia. PAS and reticulin stains helped differentiate ACTH-immunoreactive adenomas from hyperplastic nodules: adenomas contained PAS-positive intracytoplasmic granules and loss of the normal reticulin network. One dog had a pituitary carcinoma with infiltration into the thalamus. Other pituitary abnormalities included secondary metastases (2 dogs) and hypophysitis (4 dogs, 1 cat). In most cases, the lesion appeared to be subclinical and could be considered incidental, whereas clinical manifestations were apparent in only 4 dogs (2.9%) and none of the cats with pituitary lesions. Pituitary abnormalities are common in dogs and cats, and their clinical relevance requires further investigation.
Explaining divergent bargaining outcomes for agency workers: The role of labour divides and labour market reforms
Authors: Benassi Chiara , Dorigatti Lisa , Pannini Elisa
Published: June 2018

Under what conditions can unions successfully regulate precarious employment? We compare the divergent trajectories of collective bargaining on agency work in the Italian and German metal sectors from the late 1990s. We explain the differences by the interaction between trade unions’ institutional and associational power resources, mediated by employers’ divide-and-rule strategies and by union strategies to (re)build a unitary front. In both countries, the liberalization of agency work allowed employers to exploit labour divides, undermining unions’ associational power and preventing labour from negotiating effectively. However, while Italian unions remained ‘trapped’ in the vicious circle between weak legislation and fragmented labour, German unions were able to overcome their internal divides. The different degree of success depended on the nature of the divides within the labour movements.
Relationships of Obesity-Related Behavior Patterns With Socioeconomic Status and Acculturation in Korean American Women
Authors: Jang Myoungock , Jeon Sangchoon , Nam Soohyun , Song Hee-Jung , Whittemore Robin
Published: June 2018

There is limited understanding about the obesity-related behaviors of diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in Korean American women. The purpose of this study was to cluster obesity-related behavior patterns of Korean American women and to examine group differences in acculturation, socioeconomic status (SES), and body mass index (BMI). A secondary analysis from a cross-sectional study was conducted using two-step cluster analysis for clustering groups. A total of 137 Korean American women ( M age = 42.7 years, SD = 3.9 years; M BMI = 23.1 kg/m2, SD = 3.1 kg/m2; 47.7% BMI ⩾ 23 kg/m2) participated. Three clusters were identified: healthy lifestyle, unhealthy lifestyle, and low physical activity but healthy diet group. The unhealthy lifestyle group was more likely to have high acculturation compared with other groups ( p = .03). SES and BMI were not significantly different between groups. Further intervention is needed to improve obesity-related behaviors of acculturated Korean American women.
Prevalence of ADHD in Primary School Children in Belagavi City, India
Authors: Joshi Himani Mahesh , Angolkar Mubashir
Published: June 2018

Background: ADHD is one of the most common childhood-onset psychiatric disorders. Even though there is no global consensus on ADHD prevalence, the estimated prevalence of ADHD worldwide ranges between 5.29% and 7.1%. In the Indian scenario, the prevalence of ADHD falls in range of 2% to 17%. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of ADHD in primary school children of Belagavi, India. Method: A cross-sectional study was done among 156 children aged between 6 to 11 years (Grade 1 to 5). Data were collected using Swanson, Nolan and Pelham-IV rating scale (SNAP-IV) Questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from respective parents and principals of their school. Result: Prevalence rate of ADHD was 5.76% with 3.8% among girls and 1.9% among boys. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significance of detecting ADHD in pupils at an early age to plan interventions for treating such cases.
A framework for measurement and harmonization of pediatric multiple sclerosis etiologic research studies: The Pediatric MS Tool-Kit
Authors: Magalhaes Sandra , Banwell Brenda , Bar-Or Amit , Fortier Isabel , Hanwell Heather E , Lim Ming , Matt Georg E , Neuteboom Rinze F , O’Riordan David L , Schneider Paul K , Pugliatti Maura , Shatenstein Bryna , Tansey Catherine M , Wassmer Evangeline , Wolfson Christina
Published: June 2018

Background:

While studying the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) in children has several methodological advantages over studying etiology in adults, studies are limited by small sample sizes.

Objective:

Using a rigorous methodological process, we developed the Pediatric MS Tool-Kit, a measurement framework that includes a minimal set of core variables to assess etiological risk factors.

Methods:

We solicited input from the International Pediatric MS Study Group to select three risk factors: environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, sun exposure, and vitamin D intake. To develop the Tool-Kit, we used a Delphi study involving a working group of epidemiologists, neurologists, and content experts from North America and Europe.

Results:

The Tool-Kit includes six core variables to measure ETS, six to measure sun exposure, and six to measure vitamin D intake. The Tool-Kit can be accessed online ( www.maelstrom-research.org/mica/network/tool-kit ).

Conclusion:

The goals of the Tool-Kit are to enhance exposure measurement in newly designed pediatric MS studies and comparability of results across studies, and in the longer term to facilitate harmonization of studies, a methodological approach that can be used to circumvent issues of small sample sizes. We believe the Tool-Kit will prove to be a valuable resource to guide pediatric MS researchers in developing study-specific questionnaire
Why Kinesthesia, Tactility and Affectivity Matter: Critical and Constructive Perspectives
Authors: Sheets-Johnstone Maxine
Published: June 2018

This article offers critical and constructive perspectives essential to understanding living bodies, and, in effect, to showing that kinesthesia, tactility and affectivity matter because they are central to animate life. Critical perspectives focus on practices that distance us from the lived realities of animate nature, on insights into those realities, and on ways in which language is intimately related to those realities. Constructive perspectives focus on ontogenetic studies that empirically testify to our being animate organisms from the start. The studies validate Husserl’s insight into the developmental progression from ‘I move’ to ‘I do’ to ‘I can’. On the basis of these perspectives, concluding observations focus on the mutual validation of empirical and phenomenological research, on the distinction between movement and objects in motion, on the distinction between perceiving and feeling one’s body, and on the distinction between having a body and being a body.
Negative visibility and ‘the defences of the weak’: The interplay of a managerial culture and prisoner resistance
Authors: Symkovych Anton
Published: June 2018

While being structurally subordinate, prisoners are neither powerless nor mute. Drawing on semi-ethnographic research in a Ukrainian medium-security prison for men, in this article, I advance the concept of ‘negative visibility’—that is, an administration’s fear of external attention and intervention, and make a case for the interplay of prisoner resistance with a managerial culture. Using Soviet penal and managerial legacies as an example, I argue that structure can be both constraining and enabling even within the milieu of the gross power imbalance of which prison is an archetype, thereby attesting to the coherence of agency and structure and the contingency of power. Furthermore, by highlighting that prisoners may undermine officer power for all sorts of reasons, including opportunistic and selfish ones, this study cautions against romanticizing the ‘defences of the weak’ and a priori politicization of prisoner resistance.
Chemical restraint of adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour in Queensland, Australia: Views of statutory decision makers
Authors: Edwards Nicole , King Julie , Williams Karen , Hair Sara
Published: June 2018

Background:

Psychotropic medication is widely prescribed to treat mental illness. However, it is controversial when used as a chemical restraint (CR) to manage challenging behaviours (CBs) of adults with intellectual disability (ID). CR has potentially negative consequences and affects human rights.

Method:

Qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2015 explored the views of ‘guardian’ decision makers appointed under unique Queensland legislation oversighting the use of CR.

Results:

Findings included (1) negative conceptualization of CR, (2) concerning relationships with prescribers and disability sector staff, (3) challenges to information seeking about people with ID prescribed CR and (4) problematic implementation of positive behaviour support plans.

Conclusion:

According to guardians, CR may be used in lieu of community supports, and prescribers sometimes diagnose mental illness to avoid CR legislative requirements. Guardians, prescribers and professionals would benefit from training that addresses the intersection between physical and mental health, CB and CR.
Reducing risk of Clostridium difficile infection and overall use of antibiotic in the outpatient treatment of urinary tract infection
Authors: Ge Ivy Y. , Fevrier Helene B. , Conell Carol , Kheraj Malika N. , Flint Alexander C. , Smith Darvin S. , Herrinton Lisa J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Risk of community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI) following antibiotic treatment specifically for urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been evaluated.

Methods:

We conducted a nested case-control study at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2007–2010, to assess antibiotic prescribing and other factors in relation to risk of CA-CDI in outpatients with uncomplicated UTI. Cases were diagnosed with CA-CDI within 90 days of antibiotic use. We used matched controls and confirmed case-control eligibility through chart review. Antibiotics were classified as ciprofloxacin (most common), or low risk (nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), moderate risk, or high risk (e.g. cefpodoxime, ceftriaxone, clindamycin) for CDI. We computed the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship of antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTI and history of relevant gastrointestinal comorbidity (including gastrointestinal diagnoses, procedures, and gastric acid suppression treatment) with risk of CA-CDI using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Despite the large population, only 68 cases were confirmed with CA-CDI for comparison with 112 controls. Female sex [81% of controls, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.3, CI 1.7–24), past gastrointestinal comorbidity (prevalence 39%, OR 2.3, CI 1.1–4.8), and nongastrointestinal comorbidity (prevalence 6%, OR 2.8, CI 1.4–5.6) were associated with increased CA-CDI risk. Compared with low-risk antibiotic, the adjusted ORs for antibiotic groups were as follows: ciprofloxacin, 2.7 (CI 1.0–7.2); moderate-risk antibiotics, 3.6 (CI 1.2–11); and high-risk antibiotics, 11.2 (CI 2.4–52).

Conclusions:

Lower-risk antibiotics should be used for UTI whenever possible, particularly in patients with a gastrointestinal comorbidity. However, UTI can be managed through alternative approaches. Research into the primary prevention of UTI is urgently needed.