bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OP‐6 INTRAGASTRIC PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DURING NUTRIENT INTAKE
Authors: Carbone F. , J.Tack  , Hofmann I.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Functional dyspepsia (FD) in pediatrics is defined as the presence of upper abdominal symptoms for at least 2 months in the absence of organic or metabolic disease likely to explain the symptoms. The main proposed pathophysiological mechanisms are visceral hypersensitivity,impaired gastric accommodation (GA) and delayed gastric emptying. At present, the gastric barostat is the gold standard to measure GA. However, this procedure is perceived as very invasive and it might alter the normal gastric physiology. Recently, we proposed the intragastric pressure (IGP) measurement during nutrient intake as a potential alternative for assessing GA in adults. This technique uses a thin manometry catheter that measures the IGP over the entire length of the stomach. By means of this study we aim to introduce the HRM as new minimally invasive technique to measure GA and nutrient tolerance in children.

Methods:

After the manometry probe and a second infusion catheter were positioned through the nose into the stomach, the IGP was measured 30 minutes before and during intragastric infusion of nutrient drink (300 Kcal, 60 ml per minute). The patients were asked to score hunger and satiation and 6 epigastric symptoms (fullness, nausea, belching of air, cramps in the abdomen, bloating and pain) at 5‐minute intervals. The experiment ended when the volunteers scored maximal satiation at 1‐minute intervals by using a graphic rating scale that combines verbal descriptors on a scale graded from 0–5 (1, threshold; 5, maximum satiety).

Results:

For this study 13 FD pediatric patients (92% female, 14.8 ± 0.8 years old, BMI: 19.5 ± 0.8) and 12 young adult volunteers (100% female, 22.2 ± 0.4 years old, BMI: 21.2 ± 0.3) were recruited. The Rome III questionnaire showed that FD patients suffered mainly from postprandial fullness (75%), epigastric pain (58%), bloating (50%), nausea (50%) and early satiation (42%). In both groups, intragastric infusion of nutrient drink induced a rapid drop in proximal stomach IGP. The average AUC change from baseline was ‐44.7 ± 11.0 mmHg in patients and ‐48.4 ± 25.2 mmHg in healthy subjects. Patients tended to score maximal satiation at lower volumes compared healthy subjects (433.8 ± 64.2 ml and 600.0 ± 67.6 mL respectively, p = 0.1). All FD patients and healthy subjects tolerated the catheters and could finalize the study.

Conclusions:

The IGP measurement during intragastric nutrient drink infusion is a promising minimally invasive alternative to the gastric barostat method to assess GA and nutrient tolerance. Future studies need to increase the patient numbers and compare the measurements in different subsets of pediatric FD (e.g. weight loss vs. no weight loss, present or absent early satiation, etc.).
OP‐8 SOCIAL CONCERNS IN CHILDREN BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CHRONIC INTESTINAL PSEUDO‐OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Brind J , Bowring E , Larmour K , Cronin H , Barkley L , Rybak A , Saliakellis E , Lindley KJ , Borrelli O , Thapar N
Published: September 2015

Background And Aims:

Fabricated induced illness (FII) is recognised amongst children presenting with suspected Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction (CIPO) (Hyman 2012). We aimed to investigate the presence, nature and potential causes of social concerns in children being referred to our national centre with possible CIPO.

Methods:

All patients accepted into the CIPO diagnostic pathway over 3 years (April 2012‐April 2015) were reviewed. Acceptance criteria included all of the following (1) referral from a paediatric gastroenterologist or surgeon suspecting a diagnosis of CIPO, (2) mechanical obstruction of the intestine excluded and 3) reliance on specialised enteral or parenteral feeding. The presence and nature of social concerns were recorded pre‐ & post‐assessment along with associated characteristics pertaining to the referral, family situation as well as child protection. Comparison was made to referrals to the IBD service within the department.

Results:

Of 78 accepted children (mean 5.2 years, 42F) 57 were diagnosed with CIPO, 53 (4.2yrs 31F) by abnormal antroduodenal manometry (ADM) and 4, unsuitable for ADM, by clinical picture. Of the remaining 21 patients (5.8yrs 12F) with normal ADM, 8 were found to have FII; 4 driven by a parent and 4 by the patient (teenage girls). The remaining 13 patients had non‐CIPO diagnoses. Of those with normal ADM 17/21 had social concerns; 10 with formal child protection or FII and 7 with concerns over treatment compliance and ambiguity of symptoms. Of those with CIPO 18/57 had social concerns including 2 formally listed as child protection for neglect/parenting concerns and 1 with possible FII. The remaining CIPO cases had a variety of concerns mainly around ambiguity and reliability of reporting. Comparison with a newly diagnosed IBD cohort (161 patients) during the same period revealed only 7 with social concerns. Recurrent themes in those with social concerns, particularly CIPO, included consumerism, internet and media involvement (Facebook, fundraising and celebrity events), resistance to positive news and pain predominant clinical picture.

Conclusions:

Social concerns (including safeguarding and child protection) in children thought to have CIPO are prevalent (45%) and approximately 10‐fold higher than seen in IBD (4.3%). Although commoner in non‐CIPO patients, social concerns are also prevalent in those proven to have CIPO (32%). These concerns should be explored and addressed along with an emerging ‘profile’ of associated risk factors such as use of multi‐media, medical consumerism and a pain predominant clinical picture.
OP‐19 APPLICABILITY OF THE ROME III CRITERIA IN CHILDREN PRESENTED WITH RECURRENT ABDOMINAL PAIN FOR A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED GROUP INTERVENTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Posovszky Carsten , Roesler Vreni , Kresz Andrea , Calvano Claudia , Warschburger Petra
Published: September 2015

Background: Functional abdominal pain (FAP) according to the paediatric ROME III (pRIII) criteria appears to be highly prevalent among school children. The differentiation between organic and functional abdominal pain is a challenge. Indeed, the capacity of the pRIII criteria to identify patients with FAP is still debated.
OP‐22 PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CONSTIPATION IN ARGENTINE PEDIATRICIANS. RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY SURVEY.
Authors: Christian Boggio Marzet , Valeria Prieto Cunello , Lized Ticona Huaquisto , Teresa Basaldúa María
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

Constipation is a frequent cause of medical consultation in pediatric practice. However a lack of knowledge about good practice in the management and treatment of these patients is evidenced.

Aim:

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and current practices of pediatricians with regard to constipation.

Methods:

A closed‐ended structured questionnaire was implemented in a cohort of pediatricians belonging to a continuous medical education program. Sample size: 123.

Results:

123 doctors were included. Females 70.8%. Age: 60.2% above 40 years. Professional practice: 56.6% more than 15 years with 43% working in both public and private practice. 95.6% ask about bowel habits in their patients, but only 40% know well Rome III criteria. 53.9% make the initial evaluation with abdominal palpation and inspection of the anal region but 76% never make a digital rectal examination on the first visit. The Bristol stool scale was known by 41.3% of doctors and they consider useful 98.1%. Only 19.4% ask additional studies, being the abdominal x‐ray the most frequent (95%). Diet with fiber was the first line treatment for constipation (97%). Only 32% use laxatives to treat a constipated child, being lactulose the most used (64.4%). For disimpaction the use of Murphy enema (36.5%) and phosphate enemas (34.4%) were the most frequent. 63% of doctors consider that a diet with adequacy of soluble and insoluble fiber was the best (63%). Psychological assessment was “sometimes” considered in constipated children (64%).

Conclusions:

Although argentine pediatricians ask about bowel habits in pediatric practice only a few know well Bristol stool scale and Rome III criteria. Dietary fiber is the first line treatment. Only one in every three pediatricians indicates laxatives in constipation showing the need to enhance medical education about this problem.
OP‐24 ESOPHAGEAL BASELINE IMPEDANCE IN NEUROLOGICALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Authors: Tambucci Renato , Thapar Nikhil , Saliakellis Efstratios , Pescarin Matilde , Quitadamo Paolo , Lindley Keith J. , Borrelli Osvaldo
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

Dysphagia, feeding difficulties and gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GORD) are common complaints in neurologically impaired children. Motor pattern generators localised in the brain stem and CNS reflexes play a key role on controlling oesophageal peristalsis and lower oesophageal sphincter activity. Thus, it is not surprising that brain abnormalities may result in significant oesophageal motor dysfunction. In this prospective study we evaluated the differences in multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH monitoring) pattern between children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 2 groups of neurologically normal children with normal and abnormal MII‐pH monitoring. We mainly focused our attention on oesophageal baseline impedance (BI), which has been proposed as useful parameter in predicting GORD severity.

Methods:

Twenty children with CP and 40 neurologically normal children with suspected GORD underwent MII‐pH impedance. Classical MII‐pH impedance parameters as well as BI values in both proximal and distal oesophagus were analysed. MII‐pH monitoring was considered abnormal if acid exposure time (AET) was >5% and/or SAP was >95%.

Results:

Nine CP children had a diagnosis of GORD. Of neurologically normal children, 20 had an abnormal (GR‐A) and 20 a normal MII‐pH monitoring (GR‐B). A significant difference in the proportion of children with abnormal AET was found between CP and GR‐A (9/20 vs 17/20; p < 0.05). GR‐A showed a significantly greater percentage of AET (15.97 [6.4–34.9]) than both CP (8.21 [0–31.9], p < 0.05) and GR‐B (1.4, [0–4.5], p < 0.0001), whereas between the latter groups CP showed a greater AET (p < 0.05). Proximal BI values were significantly lower in CP (1759 [691–3133]Ω) than GR‐A (2396 [1080–3850]Ω, p < 0.05) and GR‐B (3385 [2249–4817]Ω, p < 0.0001). No difference in distal BI was found between in CP (1106 [279–3098]Ω) and GR‐A (1152 [246–2526]Ω), while was lower in CP than in GR‐B (2965 [1986–3984]Ω, p < 0.001). Considering all patients as a whole group, an inverse correlation was found between distal BI and AET (r‐0.66; p < 0.001), whereas within groups an inverse correlation was only confirmed in GR‐A pts (r‐0.67; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Although an abnormal pH‐impedance monitoring was detected in almost half of children with CP, no correlation was found between the AET and BI values, suggesting that the latter cannot be used as predictor of reflux severity in this group of patients. The presence of low impedance values in both proximal and distal oesophagus in children with CP supports the view that in neurologically impaired children BI mainly reflects oesophageal motor abnormalities, which have been previously reported.
PP‐4 ANORECTAL MALFORMATIONS
Authors: Bigliardi Roman N. , Ditaranto A. , Reynoso R. , Vidal J.H. , Messere G. , Toca M. , Silvestri G. , Ortiz G. , Noriega S. , Varela A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Anorectal malformations (ARM) are infrequent anatomic defects with a prevalence of 1 each 5000 alive newborns. Most of the patients repaired of this illness have some degree of constipation or fecal incontinence. There are few reports about manometric studies and biofeedback treatment in patients with anorectal malformations.

Objectives:

To evaluate of our population's anorectal functionality late after surgery by anorectal manometry; To study the response to diet, toilet training, and/or biofeedback.

Methods:

Anorectal manometry was done in 39 patients with ARM and 35 of them received combinated treatment of diet, toilet training and biofeedback. Age: 6 to 17 years old. Mean age: 8.05 years. Descriptive study. From april 2004 to april 2015. 14 patients had high malformations(36%), 18 had low malformations(46%) and 7 had cloaca(18%). Inclusion criteria: children over 6 years of age with anorectal malformation operated using Peña's technique (postsagittal anorectoplasty). Exclusion criteria: patients with neurological disorders that do not non‐compliant with study and treatment indications.

Results:

Average resting pressure was 28 mmHg(High level 25,5 and Low level 29,8 mmHg), range between 7 and 51 mmHg. Squeezing pressure between 29 and 120 mmHg(mean:69mmHg). Combined treatment of diet, toilet training, and biofeedback was succesfull to get total continence in 22 patients (4 cloacas, 10 high malformations and 8 low malformations), partial continence in 6(all low) and without response in 3(1 low, 1 high and 1 cloaca); 2 patients archived continence only with toilet training and 2 were lost in follow up(T.Fisher: 0,1). In high ARM 8 had positive(+) rectoanal inhibitory reflex(RAIR) and 6 negative(¬). In cloacas it was (+) in 3, (¬) in 3 and doubtful in 1. In low ARM 15(+), 2 (¬) and 1 doubtful. Reflex was obtained with 20 to 60cc of air(mean 31,36). The RRAI duration was 10 to 17 seconds(mean: 13 seconds). From 22 total continent, RAIR was (+) in 13, (¬) in 7 and hazardous in 2. All 6 partially continent had (+) RAIR; and from 3 incontinent, 2 had (+) RAIR and 1 (¬). From succesfully treated, 10 showed low resting pressures at the anal channel and 12 had normal pressures. Squeezing pressure was normal in 35 and negative in 4.

Conclusions:

1) RAIR was (+) in most of low malformations, while in high and cloacas only nearly half of them were (+). 2) RAIR and resting pressures at the anal channel were not useful to predict treatment success. 3) Malformation Height was not significant to determine patients outcome. 4) Combined dietary, toilet training and biofeedback therapy was effective for achievement of fecal continence in most of our population.
PP‐7 CHILDHOOD RECURRENT ABDOMINAL PAIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH DUODENAL EOSINOPHILIA REGARDLESS OF H. PYLORI INFECTION
Authors: Wauters L. , Harris P. , Serrano C. , Villagrán A. , Duarte I. , Rakhra G. , Jones M. , Talley N. , Crabtree J. , Walker M.
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate histologic features of children with RAP undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, after exclusion of common organic disease.

Methods:

Children referred for endoscopy were prospectively enrolled at a single tertiary center between 2008 and 2010, after obtaining informed consent. Cases were defined as children with clinical diagnosis of RAP, as opposed to controls with suspicion of organic disease. Gastric and duodenal biopsies were analysed by pathologists blinded to indication. Demographic and clinical variables, H. pylori infection, biochemical, endoscopic and pathologic results were compared between cases and controls.

Results:

A total of 101 children were included after exclusion of villous enteropathy (n = 6) and parasitic, rotaviral or salmonella enteritis (n = 14), resulting in 72 cases and 29 controls. There were no significant differences in demographics, clinical symptoms, H. pylori infection and endoscopic findings between cases and controls. Duodenal eosinophil counts per 5 HPF were significantly increased in cases vs. controls (median (IQR) 86 (62–114) vs. 49 (31–88); p < 0.001) and did not differ regarding age, gender and H. pylori. Intraepithelial lymphocytes per 100 enterocytes were similar in cases vs. controls (19 (15–25) vs. 18 (14–23); p = 0.89) with ≥ 25 in 25% of cases. Duodenal eosinophilia was equally observed in H. pylori negative cases (n = 50) vs. controls (n = 19) (87 (61–119) vs. 53 (36–95); p = 0.01), as well as positive cases (n = 21) vs. controls (n = 10) (85 (55–105) vs. 42 (18–65); p = 0.03). Logistic regression yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 1.23 (95% CI 1.08–1.40) for duodenal eosinophilia in RAP.

Conclusions:

Children with a clinical diagnosis of RAP have marked duodenal eosinophilia, independent of H. pylori infection, suggesting the role of unknown infectious or allergic triggers in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders in childhood. Further research is needed on the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of targeting duodenal eosinophilia.
PP‐11 PROLONGED INTRA‐ESOPHAGEAL PH PROFILE AND ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY IN CHILDREN WITH EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS (EOE)
Authors: Rossi P. , Isoldi S. , Mallardo S. , Biscione G. , Oliva S. , Rossetti D. , Lucarelli S. , Cucchiara. S.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Patients (pts) with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immune‐mediated disorder, may exhibit symptoms of disturbed food transit (i.e. dysphagia, impaction) or mimicking gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR). We aimed at characterizing in EoE pts the intra‐esophageal pH pattern with 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII‐pH) as well as the esophageal motility with high‐resolution manometry (EHRM)

Methods:

during a 30 month period we studied 57 patients (pts), median age 11 years (range: 7–16): 25 with EoE, diagnosed according to widely agreed criteria (JPGN 2014;58:107–18; ESPGHAN guidelines) and 32 with GOR disease (GORD). All underwent esophagogastro‐duodenoscopy, MII‐pH and EHRM. The pH‐MII and data analysis were done according to ESPGHAN EURO‐PIG protocol (JPGN 2012;55:230–4); variables analysed: reflux index, symptom index, number and type of liquid reflux, number of long lasting reflux episodes, correlation symptom‐reflux. The test was diagnostic of GORD if at least ≥ 2 of the previous variables were positive. The EHRM was performed with water perfused catheters and swallow contractile patterns categorized using criteria recently reported by a paediatric group (Am J Gastroenterol 2010;105:460–7). Several motility variables were analysed: esophago‐gastric junction (EGJ) morphology, end‐expiratory and end‐inspiratory EGJ pressure, distal contractile integral (DCI), pressurization front velocity (cm/s), peristaltic propagation pattern.

Results:

An abnormal MII‐pH profile was markedly more common in GORD pts (27; 84.37%) than in EoE pts (4; 16%; p < 0.001). On the contrary, EHRM irregularities were detected more commonly in EoE that the GORD pts: in particular, when motility tracing were analysed no significant difference for EGJ pressure and deglutitive EGJ relaxation was detected between the 2 groups; however, abnormalities such as peristaltic dysfunction (i.e. failed peristalsis, aperistalsis, and esophageal spasm features) and lower distal contractile integral adjusted for esophageal body length (DCIa) were more common in EoE (17; 68%) than in GORD pts (15; 46.8%) (p < 0.05)

Conclusions:

1) The great majority of EoE pts have a normal MII‐pH profile that doesn’t support the use of proton pump inhibitory therapy. 2) EoE pts exhibit higher prevalence of oesophageal motility abnormalities than GORD: this feature is likely sustained by the inflammatory infiltrate that characterizes the esophageal wall in EoE and accounts for the esophageal dysmotility complaints often detected in EoE pts.
PP‐13 FATIGUE RATE INDEX IS HIGHER IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION AND RETENTIVE FECAL INCONTINENCE
Authors: Paganotti Bruno , Miasato Marcio , Kardoch Fernanda P. , Morais Mauro B. , Tahan Soraia
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

The fatigue rate index (FRI) is a parameter in anorectal manometry (ARM) to assess sustained voluntary contraction, considering the squeeze pressure and fatigability of the external anal sphincter. It is used in adults to detect fecal incontinence even in patients who present normal squeeze pressures. The FRI in adult patients with functional constipation is similar to controls1.

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility and values of FRI in children with retentive fecal incontinence secondary to functional constipation.

Methods:

This retrospective study evaluated 105 ARM performed from Jan 2014 to Apr 2015. 42 patients were selected (were able to perform a voluntary contraction and had no co‐morbidities other than functional constipation). 14 of those (33,3%) collaborated in sustaining contraction for 40 seconds (s), allowing the evaluation of the FRI. Patients with retentive fecal incontinence secondary to functional constipation (n = 7, aged 6 to 13 years, 6 boys) were our interest group. Patients with functional constipation without fecal incontinence (n = 7, aged 6 to 13 years, 4 boys) were considered a reference group. The ARM were performed with a radial eight‐channel perfusion catheter (Dynamed™, São Paulo, Brazil) and the FRI was calculated (Proctomaster 6.4) in the first 20 s and overall 40 s of sustained voluntary contraction.

Results:

In the first 20 s of contraction, the fecal incontinence group showed a significantly higher mean FRI (2.48 ± 1.39 min) compared to the reference group (1.13 ± 0.72 min, p = 0.042), which was not observed in the 40 s due to less uniform contraction. The anal resting pressure was higher in fecal incontinence group (76.83 mmHg) than in the reference group (54.13 mmHg), but the statistical study did not reach significance (p = 0.051).

Discussion:

The mean FRI obtained in this study is lower than the reported in constipated adults (2,8 min).

We hypothesized that the higher FRI found in children with retentive fecal incontinence may be associated with retention behavior in cases of severe constipation and to higher anal resting pressure in patients with retentive incontinence.

Conclusions:

FRI may be feasible in older children, its reference value may be lower than in adults and it is higher among patients with retentive incontinence.
PP‐16 WEAK ACID REFLUX A TRIGGER FOR RECURRENT RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Kostovski Aco , Zdraveska Nikolina
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

The main advantage of multichannel intraluminar impedance (MII) compared with pH monitoring is its ability to detect both acid and non‐acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and to determine the characteristics of reflux (liquid or gas).

Aim:

To compare the value of pH monitoring and MII for diagnosis of GER in children who present with refractory respiratory symptoms.

Materials:

A prospective study that included 37 patients, aged 4.25 ± 3.15 years, using combined MII‐pH monitoring was performed. Patients were referred for investigation because of suspected GER as the etiology of recurrent respiratory diseases, including recurrent obstructive bronchitis, recurrent pneumonia, laryngitis, and chronic cough. We analyzed the percentage of time during which the pH was less than 4, the numeric and percentile values of acid, weak acid, and non‐acid reflux episodes, and the values of liquid and mixed reflux. Diagnostic values were determined separately for pH monitoring and MII using Fisher's exact test.

Results:

Reflux was detected in 31 patients. pH monitoring was positive in 20 patients (% time during which pH <4 was 17.72 ± 12.06) and negative in 17 patients (2.93% ± 1.67). Both pH and MII were positive in 19 patients: in 11 patients, MII was positive and pH was negative, and in 6 patients, both were negative. Fisher's exact test showed significant statistical difference and superiority of MII in diagnosing GER (p = 0.033). Out of 30 patients with MII‐positive results, 15 had both acid and weak acid reflux episodes, 3 had only acid reflux, 8 had weak acid reflux, and 3 had non‐acid reflux. Sixteen patients had mixed (liquid and gas) reflux, and 14 had both liquid and mixed reflux.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that significant numbers of GER include weak acid reflux that cannot be detected by pH probes alone. The weak acid reflux could be a trigger for recurrent respiratory symptoms. Combining pH with MII monitoring is a valuable diagnostic method for diagnosing GER in children.
Crystal structures of two chiral piperidine derivatives: 1-[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl]piperidin-4-one and 8-[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7-thione
Authors: Romero Nancy , Bernès Sylvain , Roa Luis F. , Terán Joel L. , Gnecco Dino
Published: September 2015

The crystal structures of the two title piperidine derivatives show different conformations for the six-membered heterocycle. TheN-substituted 4-piperidinone 1-[(1R)-2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl]piperidin-4-one, C13H17NO2, (I), has a chair conformation, while the piperidine substituted in position 2 with a thiocarbonyl group, 8-[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7-thione, C15H19NO2S, (II), features a half-chair conformation. Comparison of the two structures, and data retrieved from the literature, suggests that the conformational flexibility is mainly related to the hybridization state of the C atom α to the piperidinic N atom: a Csp3atom favours the chair conformer, while a Csp2atom distorts the ring towards a half-chair conformer. In the crystal structure of (I), weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into supramolecular chains propagating along theb-axis direction. In the crystal of (II), the molecules are linked by weak C—H...S contacts into supramolecular chains propagating along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of tetrakis(μ3-2-{[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxidoethyl]iminomethyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)tetrakis[aquacopper(II)]: a redetermination at 200 K
Authors: Buvaylo Elena A. , Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Skelton Brian W.
Published: September 2015

The crystal structure of the tetranuclear title compound, [Cu4(C12H15NO5)4(H2O)4], has been previously reported by Back, Oliveira, Canabarro & Iglesias [Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem.(2015),641, 941–947], based on room-temperature data. In the previously published structure, no standard uncertainties are recorded for the deprotonated hydroxymethyl group and water molecule O atoms coordinating to the metal atom indicating that they were not refined; furthermore, the H atoms of some OH groups and water molecules have not been positioned accurately. Since the current structure was determined at a lower temperature, all atoms, including the H atoms of these hydroxy groups and the water molecule, have been determined more accurately resulting in improved standard uncertainties in the bond lengths and angles. Diffraction data were collected at 200 K, rather than the more usual 100 K, due to apparent disordering at lower temperatures. In addition, it is now possible to report intra- and intermolecular O—H...O interactions. In the title complex molecule, which has crystallographic -4 symmetry, the CuIIions are coordinated by the tridentate Schiff base ligands and water molecules, forming a tetranuclear Cu4O4cubane-like core. The CuIIion adopts a CuNO5elongated octahedral environment. The coordination environment of CuIIat 200 K displays a small contraction of the Cu—N/O bonds, compared with the room-temperature structure. In the crystal lattice, the neutral clusters are linked by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds into a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network propagating along thebaxis.
Crystal structure of 2,6-dichloro-4-nitropyridineN-oxide
Authors: Prichard Andrew M. , Lynch Will E. , Padgett Clifford W.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C5H2Cl2N2O3, the nitro group is essentially coplanar with the aromatic ring, with a twist angle of 4.00 (6)° and a fold angle of 2.28 (17)°. The crystal structure exhibits a herringbone pattern with the zigzag running along thebaxis. The herringbone layer-to-layer distance is 3.0075 (15) Å, with a shift of 5.150 (4) Å. Neighboring molecules are tilted at a 57.83 (4)° (ring-to-ring) angle with each other. The nitro group on one molecule points to theN-oxide group on the neighboring one, with an intermolecular O...N(nitro) distance of 3.1725 (13) Å.
Crystal structure of bis[μ-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanethiolato-κ2S:S]bis[chlorido(η6-1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene)ruthenium(II)] chloroform disolvate
Authors: Stíbal David , Süss-Fink Georg , Therrien Bruno
Published: September 2015

The molecular structure of the title complex, [Ru2(C8H9OS)2Cl2(C10H14)2]·2CHCl3or (p-MeC6H4Pri)2Ru2(SCH2-p-C6H5-OCH3)2Cl2·2CHCl3, shows inversion symmetry. The two symmetry-related RuIIatoms are bridged by two 4-methoxy-α-toluenethiolato [(4-methoxyphenyl)methanethiolato] units. One chlorido ligand and thep-cymene ligand complete the typical piano-stool coordination environment of the RuIIatom. In the crystal, the CH moiety of the chloroform molecule interacts with the chlorido ligand of the dinuclear complex, while one Cl atom of the solvent interacts more weakly with the methyl group of the bridging 4-methoxy-α-toluenethiolato unit. This assembly leads to the formation of supramolecular chains extending parallel to [021].
Crystal structure of methyl (2Z)-2-[(2Z)-2-(2-cyclopentylidenehydrazin-1-ylidene)-4-oxo-3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-5-ylidene]ethanoate
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Smolenski Victoria A. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Hassan Alaa A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C17H17N3O3S, the cyclopentane ring is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.775 (8):0.225 (8) for the affected atoms. The thiazolidinyl ring is planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.024 Å) and forms a dihedral angle of 65.13 (8)° with the attached phenyl ring. The molecular packing is stabilized by C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure of [3-amino-2-(phenyldiazenyl)pyridine]chlorido(η6-p-cymene)ruthenium(II) chloride
Authors: Hansongnern Kanidtha , Sansook Supojjanee , Romin Thassani , Nimthong Roldan Arunpatcha , Pakawatchai Chaveng
Published: September 2015

The title compound, [RuCl(C10H14)(C11H10N4)]Cl is an RuIIcomplex in which an η6-p-cymene ligand, two N atoms of 3-amino-2-(phenylazo)pyridine and one Cl ion form a piano-stool coordination environment around the metal ion. In the crystal structure, N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds play an important role in the formation of the supramolecular zigzag chain along thea-axis direction. Disorder is observed for the isopropyl group with site-occupancy factors refined to 0.78 (5) and 0.22 (5).
Crystal structure of tetraethyl 27,30-dioxo-7,12,20,25-tetra-tert-butyl-3,16-dioxa-9,22,28,31-tetrathiaheptacyclo[21.3.1.11,5.14,8.110,14.114,18.117,21]dotriaconta-4,6,8(29),10,12,17,19,21(32),23,25-decaene-2,2,15,15-tetracarboxylate
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Omran Omran A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: September 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C54H64O12S4, consists of one half of the molecule, which is located on an inversion centre. The heterocyclic six-membered ring adopts a distorted envelope conformation with the spiro C atom as the flap. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds with anR22(14) motif, forming a chain along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of dimethyl 9H-carbazole-2,7-dicarboxylate
Authors: Lehane Ryan L. , Golen James A. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Manke David R.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C16H13NO4, the carbazole ring system is almost planar with non-H atoms possessing a mean deviation from planarity of 0.037 Å. The two ester groups are orientatedtransto one another and tilted slightly from the mean plane of the carbazole ring system, making dihedral angles of 8.12 (6) and 8.21 (5)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linked by parallel slipped π–π interactions, forming slabs propagating along theb-axis direction [inter-centroid distance = 3.6042 (8) Å, inter-planar distance = 3.3437 (5) Å, slippage = 1.345 Å].
Crystal structure of 3-C-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)aminomethyl-3-deoxy-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-allofuranose
Authors: Rjabovs Vitalijs , Stepanovs Dmitrijs , Turks Maris
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C21H29NO7(1) [systematic name: benzyl ({(3aR,5S,6R,6aR)-5-[(R)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]-2,2-dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3-d][1,3]dioxol-6-yl}methyl)carbamate], consists of a substituted 2,2-dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3-d][1,3]dioxolane skeleton. The furanose ring adopts an envelope conformation close toC3-exo, where the C atom substituted by the benzyl carbamate group is the flap. The fused dioxolane ring also adopts an envelope conformation, as does the terminal dioxolane ring, with in each case an O atom as the flap. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and C–H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methanone
Authors: Revathi B. K. , Reuben Jonathan D. , Kalai Sevi K. , Dhanalakshmi K. , Usha G.
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C13H14NO2F3, crystallises with two molecules,AandB, in the asymmetric unit, with similar conformations. The dihedral angles between the piperidine and phenyl rings are 83.76 (2) and 75.23 (2)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. The bond-angle sums around the N atoms [359.1 and 359.7° for moleculesAandB, respectively] indicatesp2hybridization for these atoms. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into separate [100] chains ofAandBmolecules. The chains are cross-linked by C—H...O interactions, generating alternating (001) sheets ofAandBmolecules.
Crystal structure of benzimidazolium salicylate
Authors: Amudha M. , Kumar P. Praveen , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: September 2015

In the anion of the title molecular salt, C7H7N2+·C7H5O3−(systematic name: 1H-benzimidazol-3-ium 2-hydroxybenzoate), there is an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond that generates anS(6) ring motif. The CO2group makes a dihedral angle of 5.33 (15)° with its attached ring. In the crystal, the dihedral angle between the benzimidazolium ring and the anion benzene ring is 75.88 (5)°. Two cations bridge two anionsviatwo pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, enclosing anR44(16) ring motif, forming a four-membered centrosymmetric arrangement. These units are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along theb-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H...π and π–π interactions [inter-centroid distances = 3.4156 (7) and 3.8196 (8) Å], forming a three-dimensional structure.
Supporting rural entrepreneurship in the UK microbrewery sector
Authors: Ellis Victoria , Bosworth Gary
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The UK has seen rapid growth in the number of microbreweries but a concurrent decline in public house numbers raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of funding upon competition in the sector and the entrepreneurial characteristics of microbrewers. With an emphasis on rural-based businesses, the local economic impacts are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is informed by analysis of trends in both the brewing and public house sectors in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with microbrewers, including five who had received funding to support their development. These were supplemented with three days of participant observation at collaborative brewing events with 26 microbrewery owners and three microbrewery managers.

Findings

– The findings indicate that the value attached to microbreweries extends beyond their economic contribution with wider outcomes including training and job creation, the preservation of listed buildings and the enhancement of rural tourism. Funding stimulated entrepreneurial responses but support for these wider outcomes ran the risk of distorting competition.

Originality/value

– As competition increases in the sector, microbrewery owners need to become more entrepreneurial to maintain their market position. Competition is heightened by a number of lifestyle enterprises that can survive with lower profit levels while routes to market are limited by a decline in the public house sector. In such a pressured market, there is a need for clearer assessments of the impacts on local economies and entrepreneurship when grant funding is provided.
Consumers’ willingness to pay for tomatoes carrying different organic labels
Authors: Chen Mo , Yin Shijiu , Xu Yingjun , Wang Zhiwei
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for tomatoes carrying different organic labels.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected from 878 randomly selected consumers in Shandong Province, China, using the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak auction experiment. The authors used the multivariate probit (MVP) model to analyze the factors influencing consumer preferences.

Findings

– Results indicated that consumers’ WTP for tomatoes carrying the European Union (EU) organic label was significantly higher than those carrying the Chinese organic label. However, no significant difference was found between consumers’ WTP for tomatoes carrying the EU organic label and that for tomatoes carrying both Chinese and EU labels. The results of the MVP model analysis demonstrated that the consumers with different individual characteristics had heterogeneous preferences for organic labels. Food safety consciousness and organic knowledge both had positive effects on consumers’ WTP, meanwhile, environmental awareness had no prominent effect on consumer preferences.

Originality/value

– This research is of academic value and of value to policy makers and suppliers. To satisfy diverse market requirements, governments, and manufacturers should consider consumer preferences for different certification labels in strategy development.
Food behaviours of Italian consumers at risk of poverty
Authors: Ruggeri Arianna , Arvola Anne , Samoggia Antonella , Hendrixson Vaiva
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– At a European level, Italy experiences one of the highest percentages of population at risk of poverty (AROP). However, studies on this consumer segment are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food behaviours of Italian female consumers, distinguishing similarities and differences due to age and level of income.

Design/methodology/approach

– The investigation adopted an inductive approach in order to analyse and confirm the determinants of food behaviours. Data were collected through four focus groups. Data elaboration included content analyses with term frequency – inverse document frequency index and multidimensional scaling technique.

Findings

– The food behaviours of Italian female consumers are based on a common set of semantic categories and theoretical dimensions that are coherent with those applied by previous studies. The age of consumers impacts the relevance attributed to the categories and income contributes to the explanation of the conceptual relations among the categories that determine food behaviours. The approach to food of younger and mature consumers AROP is strongly driven by constraints such as price and time. The study did not confirm a link between a poor health attitude and low socio-economic status.

Research limitations/implications

– The outcomes achieved can be strengthened by quantitative analyses to characterise the relations occurring among the factors and dimensions that influence the food behaviours of consumers AROP.

Originality/value

– The study increases knowledge about Italian female consumers and provides an initial contribution to the analysis of the food behaviour of the population AROP.
Collective remembering of organizations
Authors: Etter Michael Andreas , Nielsen Finn Årup
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– How organizations’ pasts are presented to the public is crucial, because this presentation shapes corporate reputations. Increasingly, various actors contribute to the public remembering of organizations with new information and communication technologies (ICTs). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the online encyclopedia Wikipedia as a global memory place, where the pasts of organizations are communicatively co-constructed by actors of a loosely connected community.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyze 1,459 edits of Wikipedia pages of ten organizations from various industries. Quantitative content analysis detects Wikipedia edits for their reputational relevance and reference to formal sources, such as corporate communication or newspapers. Furthermore, the authors investigate to which degree current corporate communication in form of 177 press releases has an influence on the remembering process in Wikipedia.

Findings

– The analysis shows how the continuous construction of collective memories bridges past formal corporate communication, news media, and other sources with the present, exposing, and suppressing relevant information concerning corporate reputation for large audiences. The analysis of press releases shows that current frames provided by corporate communication finds only little resonance in the ongoing remembering processes in Wikipedia.

Originality/value

– Conventional approaches toward remembering of organizations embrace an organization centric view, whereby corporate communication strategically leverages organizational pasts. This paper contributes to the understanding of the ongoing, networked, and collective co-construction of organizational pasts by various authors through ICTs.
The rehabilitation of the “nation variable”
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen , Röttger Ulrike , Ingenhoff Diana , Hamidati Anis
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Despite an impressive body of international research, there is a lack of empirical evidence describing the ways in which organisational environments influence the practices of corporate communications (CC). A cross-cultural survey in five countries contributes to closing this research gap. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– What makes the research design innovative is that the questionnaire incorporates both practitioners’ perceptions of the cultural context and the relevance of CC practices. The sample comprises 418 practitioners from the most senior positions in CC in the biggest companies in Australia, Austria, Germany, Indonesia, and Switzerland. By choosing a systematic access to the field the authors circumvent shortcomings of “snowball” sampling techniques.

Findings

– While cultural perceptions and CC priorities vary to a certain degree, there are hardly any significant correlations between the two. Meanwhile, the “nation variable”, and the institutional settings associated with it, are more instructive when explaining differences in CC.

Research limitations/implications

– A large cross-cultural survey needs to take a “birds eye view” and, as such, is able to identify only general tendencies when describing relations between perceptions of culture and CC practices. Future case studies and qualitative research could explore more subtle ways in which CC is influenced not only by the cultural context, but also – and probably even more – by institutional environments.

Originality/value

– This is the first cross-cultural survey to systematically describe on the level of primary data, the links between CC practices and perceptions of the organisational environment. Since the results indicate only a limited impact of culture, the authors would recommend the rehabilitation of the “nation variable”. Provided it is understood and differentiated as a representation of specific institutional contexts, the nation variable is likely to prove highly instructive when accounting for the diversity of CC observed around the world.
Y International Group (YIG): Surviving Vietnam's anti-China riots in 2014
Authors: Guo Xiaojia , Chen Hao , Jiang Peng
Published: September 2015

Subject area

This case describes a real-time crisis experienced by the co-founder (Mr Yang) of a multi-national Chinese company operating in Vietnam during the 2014 Vietnam riot. After the strike broke out, Mr Yang made several critical decisions to protect and save both his factory and employees.

Study level/applicability

This case is applicable to graduate-level management courses such as: Business ethics, Decision-making, Business Communication and Cross-Cultural Management. Students should have some knowledge in Decision-Making concepts (e.g. “bounded rationality”); in Cross-Cultural Management concepts (e.g. “culture norms”); and in Strategic management theory such as “institution-based view” (e.g. formal vs informal institutions).

Case overview

Part A of the case introduces the main character (Mr Yang) and his factory in Vietnam, the escalation of the strike and the course of the crisis. It also elaborates the important critical decisions Mr Yang made to save both his factory and employees. Part B of the case describes the rescue of Mr Yang and his Chinese employees, his actions after the crisis and strategic positioning in future business. Part C of the case introduces the aftermath of the riot and Mr Yang's reflection regarding the crisis.

Expected learning outcomes

The instructors may emphasize different learning objectives in different courses. Business Ethics: help the students learn to recognize, clarify, speak and act on their values when conflicts arise. Decision-Making: helps the students understand the logic of sense-making in crisis and the concept of bounded rationality. Business Communication: helps the students learn to raise issues in an effective manner and learn to deliver their own responses effectively. Cross-Cultural Management: helps the students identify and analyze the many ways in which managers can voice and implement their values in the face of critical moments in a different cultural environment.

Supplementary materials

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