bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Postnatal Incidence of Acquiring Acute Myocarditis by Age 15 Years and the Outcomes From a Nationwide Birth Cohort
Authors: Wu Mei-Hwan , Wu En-Ting , Wang Ching-Chia , Lu Frank , Chen Hui-Chi , Kao Feng-Yu , Huang San-Kuei
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

Acute myocarditis can be lethal, but the incidence remains unclear because of its wide manifestation spectrum. We investigated the postnatal incidence of acute myocarditis and risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

Design:

Retrospective derived birth cohort study.

Setting:

Taiwan National Health Insurance Database for the period 2000–2014.

Patients:

Children born between 2000 and 2009 with complete postnatal medical care data for at least 5 years.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

From among 2,150,590 live births, we identified 965 patients (54.8% male) admitted with the diagnosis of acute myocarditis, accounting for an overall incidence of 0.45/1,000. The cumulative incidence rates were 0.19/1,000, 0.38/1,000, 0.42/1,000, and 0.48/1,000 by ages 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Male predominance was noted in infants and school age children (age group 6–14 yr). Arrhythmias, including tachyarrhythmia (4.8%) and bradyarrhythmia (1.1%), occurred in 56 patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was provided to 62 patients (6.4%) and additional left ventricular assist devices in six of them. The mortality at discharge was 6.3%. The presence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, bradyarrhythmia, and an onset at school age (6–14 yr) were associated with increased odds for the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which was the only predictor for mortality at discharge (hazard ratio, 7.85; 95% CI, 3.74–9.29). In patients who survived the acute myocarditis, late mortality was relatively low (36/904 = 4.0%). The overall survival of children with acute myocarditis were 90.9%, 90.3%, and 89.8% by the intervals of 1, 5, and 10 years after the myocarditis, respectively.

Conclusions:

This birth cohort study determined the cumulative incidence of acute myocarditis for neonates by 15 years old to be one in 2,105. In an era of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may reflect the severity of acute myocarditis and predict its outcome.
Optimization of Surgical Outcome in Lower Extremity Nerve Decompression Surgery
Authors: Rinkel Willem D. , de Kleijn Jasper L. , Macaré van Maurik Joanne F. M. , Coert J. Henk
Published: October 2017

Background:

There is still debate regarding whether the surgical release of entrapped lower extremity nerves reduces complaints of associated neuropathy and results in gain of sensory function. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors are associated with a favorable surgical outcome, by follow-up of patients previously participating in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

The authors evaluated the 5-year follow-up of diabetic patients previously participating in the Lower Extremity Nerve Entrapment Study (LENS). Visual analogue pain scores, satisfaction, complaints, quality of life (i.e., 36-Question Short-Form Health Survey and EuroQol 5 Dimensions instrument), sensory function, and incident ulceration and amputation were assessed. Differences between patients who underwent unilateral versus bilateral decompressions were investigated.

Results:

Thirty-one of the original 42 LENS participants were measured, of which eight patients underwent additional decompression of the contralateral leg, after 12-month LENS follow-up. At 5 years, bilateral surgical patients (n = 8) had significantly lower pain scores and higher quality of life compared with unilateral surgical patients (n = 23), were younger, had a lower age when diagnosed with diabetes, and had a lower body mass index at baseline. Pain scores of the additional decompressed leg decreased in a manner similar to that of the initial decompressed leg during follow-up. Patients with severe preoperative sensory loss did worse; 41.2 percent of the LENS Follow-Up Study subjects underwent or considered undergoing contralateral surgery.

Conclusion:

The authors’ results suggest that the beneficial effects of lower extremity nerve decompression surgery are reserved for a select group of patients, of which preoperative nerve damage, age, duration of diabetes, and body mass index are important effect modifiers.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Redefining the Rectus Sheath: Implications for Abdominal Wall Repair
Authors: Punekar Imran R. A. , Khouri Joseph S. , Catanzaro Michael , Shaikh Aizaz L. , Langstein Howard N.
Published: October 2017

Background:

The abdominal wall is frequently manipulated in a variety of reconstructive procedures, and its anatomy is well described. The authors’ clinical observations, however, contradict the standard depiction of the components of the abdominal wall at various levels—particularly regarding the course of the transversus abdominis muscle. Therefore, the authors sought to characterize the components of the rectus sheath at various surgical landmarks to define anatomic points important to abdominal wall repair.

Methods:

The authors analyzed the abdominal computed tomographic studies of 100 healthy, young (age, 18 to 35 years; body mass index, 20 to 40 kg/m2) patients with suspected renal calculi. Coordinates of key landmarks were recorded at vertebral levels T12 to L5 using a specially designed computer program that scaled all values and calculated distances between various points.

Results:

All subjects had significant presence of the transversus abdominis within the rectus sheath (the overlap between the abdominis rectus and transversus abdominis muscles) at the costal margin plane (T12-L1, 4.2 cm). Ninety-nine percent had transversus abdominis presence within the rectus sheath at L1-L2 (3.2 cm), 86 percent at the level of the twelfth rib (L2-L3, 1.4 cm), 36 percent at the umbilicus (L3-L4), and 2 percent slightly above the posterosuperior iliac spine (L5-S1).

Conclusions:

These findings contradict classic teachings of abdominal wall structure and highlight the need for a cautious revisiting of the various permutations of component separation, particularly posterior component release. Furthermore, these anatomical landmarks may help predict the development or recurrence of ventral hernias, thus guiding patient selection and informing surgical technique.
Bioinformatics Associated With Conjoined Twin Separation
Authors: Commander Sarah Jane , Jacques Samantha J. , Lloyd Mark S. , Rushing Audra , Karlberg Helena , Buchanan Edward P.
Published: October 2017

The separation of conjoined twins is a rare event in the medical field and presents many unique challenges to overcome. With the complexities of today's interconnected healthcare technology and electronic medical record, there are many intricate details that need significant attention to guarantee proper care and accurate record keeping for conjoined twins. Items that require attention are how to digitally represent the twins—as 1 patient or 2, how to incorporate the physiological monitors into the medical record, and how to ensure the proper amount of infrastructure, equipment, and space. With careful planning and consideration, technology can be used as an aid in separating conjoined twins at any institution.
Method for Securing Methlymethacrylate Bone Cement Using Histoacryl Glue During Cranioplasty for Contour Deformities
Authors: Thacoor Amitabh , Murphy Suzanne , Sadr Amir H. , Kang Norbert
Published: October 2017

Methylmethacrylate bone cement (MM-BC) is one of the reconstructive methods: during cranioplasty to correct cranial defects following trauma or cranial surgery. Perfect intraoperative immobilization of the MM-BC is crucial to ensure correct subsequent shaping to best improve contour defects. Current immobilization techniques reported are time-consuming and involve complex metalwork. The authors hereby present a technique that may simplify the immobilization process by using histoacryl glue to secure the MM-BC. This provides a quick, inexpensive, and readily available option providing fixation strong enough to withstand final shaping of the MM-BC.
Surgical Management of Migraine Headache
Authors: Jose Anson , Nagori Shakil Ahmed , Roychoudhury Ajoy
Published: October 2017

Migraine surgery has been recently reported as an alternative to medical management to provide long-term relief in migraine sufferers. A prospective study was designed wherein patients diagnosed with migraine were screened for surgery by injecting botulinum toxin type A at the primary trigger site. Surgery consisted of corrugator supercilii muscle resection to decompress supra-trochlear and supra-orbital nerves with avulsion of zygomaticotemporal branch of trigeminal nerve. Using pre and postsurgery questionnaires, information regarding the degree of reduction of migraines with regard to severity and frequency; and surgical site problems was acquired. Thirty patients volunteered for migraine surgery. Mean migraine headaches reduced from 15.2 ± 6.3 episodes per month to 1.9 ± 2.4 episodes per month (P < 0.0001) postsurgery. The mean intensity of migraine headache also reduced from a preoperative 7.3 ± 3.5 to a postoperative of 1.3 ± 1.4 (P < 0.0001). Fourteen (46.7%) patients reported complete elimination of migraine after surgery while an equal number reported significant relief of symptoms. Two (6.6%) patients failed to notice any significant improvement after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 11.1 ± 2 months with no major surgical complications. Results of the authors’ study confirm prior published results that surgical treatment of migraine is a reality. Surgeons can easily incorporate this simple surgical procedure in their armamentarium to offer relief to numerous migraine patients.
Impact of Sarcopenic Obesity on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Kaido Toshimi , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Okumura Shinya , Shirai Hisaya , Yao Siyuan , Kamo Naoko , Yagi Shintaro , Taura Kojiro , Okajima Hideaki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To evaluate preoperative body composition, including skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue, and to clarify the impact on outcomes after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Background:

Recent studies have indicated that sarcopenia is associated with morbidity and mortality in various pathologies, including cancer, and that obesity or visceral adiposity represents a significant risk factor for several cancers. However, the impact of sarcopenic obesity on outcomes after hepatectomy for HCC has not been fully investigated.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 465 patients who underwent primary hepatectomy for HCC between April 2005 and March 2015. Skeletal muscle mass and visceral adipose tissue were evaluated by preoperative computed tomography to define sarcopenia and obesity. Patients were classified into 1 of 4 body composition groups according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia and obesity.

Results:

Body composition was classified as nonsarcopenic nonobesity in 184 patients (39%), nonsarcopenic obesity in 219 (47%), sarcopenic nonobesity in 31 (7%), and sarcopenic obesity in 31 (7%). Compared with patients with nonsarcopenic nonobesity, patients with sarcopenic obesity displayed worse median survival (84.7 vs. 39.1 mo, P = 0.002) and worse median recurrence-free survival (21.4 vs. 8.4 mo, P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenic obesity as a significant risk factor for death (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.504, P = 0.005) and HCC recurrence (HR = 2.031, P = 0.006) after hepatectomy for HCC.

Conclusion:

Preoperative sarcopenic obesity was an independent risk factor for death and HCC recurrence after hepatectomy for HCC.
Barriers to Regionalized Surgical Care: Public Perspective Survey and Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Symer Matthew M. , Abelson Jonathan S. , Yeo Heather L.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To describe public willingness to participate in regionalized surgical care for cancer.

Summary of Background Data:

Improved outcomes at high-volume centers following complex surgery have driven a push to regionalize surgical care. Patient attitudes toward regionalization are not well described.

Methods:

As part of the Cornell National Social Survey, a cross-sectional telephone survey was performed. Participants were asked about their willingness to seek regionalized care in a hypothetical scenario requiring surgery. Their responses were compared with demographic characteristics. A geospatial analysis of hospital proximity was performed, as well as a qualitative analysis of barriers to regionalization.

Results:

Cooperation rate was 48.1% with 1000 total respondents. They were an average of 50 years old (range 18 to 100 years) and 48.9% female. About 49.6% were unwilling to travel 5 hours or more to seek regionalized care for improved survival. Age >70 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.19–0.60] and perceived distance to a center >30 minutes (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.86) were associated with decreased willingness to seek regionalized care, while high income (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.39–3.16) was associated with increased willingness. Proximity to a major center was not associated with willingness to travel (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67–1.22). Major perceived barriers to regionalization were transportation, life disruption, social support, socioeconomic resources, poor health, and remoteness.

Conclusion:

Americans are divided on whether the potential for improved survival with regionalization is worth the additional travel effort. Older age and lower income are associated with reduced willingness to seek regionalized care. Multiple barriers to regionalization exist, including a lack of knowledge of the location major centers.
Efficacy of Preoperative Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Patients With Crohn Disease
Authors: Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Bando Toshihiro , Chohno Teruhiro , Sasaki Hirofumi , Horio Yuki , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Takesue Yoshio
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

We investigated the efficacy of oral antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing surgery for Crohn disease.

Background:

Although oral antibiotic prophylaxis with mechanical bowel preparation has been recommended for colorectal surgery, the use of this approach remains somewhat controversial. Moreover, the efficacy of this approach for inflammatory bowel disease also remains unclear.

Methods:

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial at the Hyogo College of Medicine. The study protocols were registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (000013369). In this study, 335 patients with Crohn disease who were scheduled to undergo intestinal resection with an open approach were randomly assigned to either group A or group B. The patients in group A received both preoperative oral antibiotics and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis, and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis alone was given to the patients in group B. All patients underwent preoperative mechanical bowel preparation with sodium picosulfate hydrate. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) according to an intention-to-treat analysis.

Results:

Although the incidences of overall and organ/space SSI were not significantly different, the incidence of incisional SSI was significantly lower in group A (12/163; 7.4%) than in group B (27/162; 16.6%) (P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the absence of oral antibiotic prophylaxis was an independent risk factor for incisional SSI (odds ratio: 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–8.3; P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Combined oral and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with Crohn disease contributed to the prevention of SSI.
Advances in managing and preventing thromboembolic disease in cancer patients
Authors: Maraveyas Anthony , Muazzam Iqtedar , Noble Simon , Bozas George
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

To update on new data for low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment and prevention of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), to discuss progress with the risk-adaptive management scores (RAMS) and update on increased dose primary thromboprophylaxis (IDPTP).

Recent findings

In a pooled meta-analysis of 1132 cancer patients who received DOACs vs. vitamin K analogues (VKAs), recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was reduced from 6.0% on VKA schedules to 3.9% on DOACs. In a randomized trial of warfarin vs. once daily sc. tinzaparin (175 IU/kg), cumulative 6-month VTE incidence reduced from 10.5 to 7.2% [hazard ratio, 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.41–1.03); P = 0.07]. Despite early suggestions that DOACs may have a role in CAT, 3–6 months of LMWH remain the standard for initial treatment of CAT. A prospective comparison of RAMS found the Vienna CATS or the PROTECHT scores superior to the Khorana score but concluded that RAMS did not perform well enough to be used in the clinic. An efficacy scale of LMWHs in pancreatic cancer facilitates IDPTP. Practical implementation of IDPTP was needed to control the 40% VTE incidence of the HALO-109–202 study in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

DOACs have some encouraging data, but LMWHs remain the standard for CAT treatment. RAMS generated to predict VTE occurrence or recurrence are still of unproven significance and IDPTP for advanced pancreatic cancer has tools and guidance for implementation.
BoostMe accurately predicts DNA methylation values in whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of multiple human tissues
Authors: Zou Luli S. , Erdos Michael R. , Taylor D. Leland , Chines Peter S. , Varshney Arushi ,   The McDonnell Genome Institute, Parker Stephen C. J. , Collins Francis S. , Didion John P.
Published: October 2017

Bisulfite sequencing is widely employed to study the role of DNA methylation in disease; however, the data suffer from biases due to coverage depth variability. Here we describe BoostMe, a method for imputing low quality DNA methylation estimates within whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data. BoostMe uses a gradient boosting algorithm, XGBoost, and leverages information from multiple samples for prediction. We find that BoostMe outperforms existing algorithms in speed and accuracy when applied to WGBS of human tissues. We also show that imputation improves concordance between WGBS and the MethylationEPIC array at low WGBS depth, suggesting improved WGBS accuracy after imputation.
Stimulation of the final cell cycle in the stomatal lineage by the cyclin CYCD7;1 under regulation of the MYB transcription factor FOUR-LIPS
Authors: Patell Farah , Newman David , Lee Eunkyoung , Xie Zidian , Collins Carl , Grotewold Erich , Murray James A.H. , Dewitte Walter
Published: October 2017

Abstract (180 words)

Stomatal guard cells are formed through a sequence of asymmetric and symmetric divisions in the epidermis of the sporophyte of most land plants. We show that several D-type cyclins are consecutively activated in the stomatal linage in the epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana. Whereas CYCD2;1 and CYCD3;2 are activated in the meristemoids early in the lineage, CYCD7;1 is activated before the final division. CYCD7;1 expression peaks in the guard mother cell, where its transcription is modulated by the FOUR-LIPS/MYB88 transcription factor. FOUR-LIPS/MYB88 interacts with the CYCD7;1 promoter and represses CYCD7;1 transcription. CYCD7;1 stimulates the final symmetric division in the stomatal lineage, since guard cell formation is delayed in the cycd7;1 mutant epidermis and guard mother cell (GMC) divisions in four-lips mutant guard mother cells are limited by loss of function of CYCD7;1. Hence, the precise activation of a specific D-type cyclin, CYCD7;1, is required for correct timing of the last symmetric division that creates the stomatal guards cells, and CYCD7;1 expression is regulated by the FLP/MYB pathway that ensures cell cycle arrest in the stomatal guard cells.

Summary Statement

The formation of paired guard cells in the epidermis of the Arabidopsis thaliana shoot, requires the activity of the D-type cyclin CYCD7;1 for the normal timing of the final division.
Learning-induced sequence reactivation during sharp-wave ripples: a computational study
Authors: Malerba Paola , Tsimring Katya , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: October 2017

During sleep, memories formed during the day are consolidated in a dialogue between cortex and hippocampus. The reactivation of specific neural activity patterns – replay – during sleep has been observed in both structures and is hypothesized to represent a neuronal substrate of consolidation. In the hippocampus, replay happens during sharp wave – ripples (SWR), short bouts of excitatory activity in area CA3 which induce high frequency oscillations in area CA1. In particular, recordings of hippocampal cells which spike at a specific location (‘place cells’) show that recently learned trajectories are reactivated during SWR in the following sleep SWR. Despite the importance of sleep replay, its underlying neural mechanisms are still poorly understood.

We developed a model of SWR activity, to study the effects of learning-induced synaptic changes on spontaneous sequence reactivation during SWR. The model implemented a paradigm including three epochs: Pre-sleep, learning and Post-sleep activity. We first tested the effects of learning on the hippocampal network activity through changes in a minimal number of synapses connecting selected pyramidal cells. We then introduced an explicit trajectory-learning task to the model, to obtain behavior-induced synaptic changes. The model revealed that the recently learned trajectory reactivates during sleep more often than other trajectories in the training field. The study predicts that the gain of reactivation rate during sleep following vs sleep preceding learning for a trained sequence of pyramidal cells depends on Pre-sleep activation of the same sequence, and on the amount of trajectory repetitions included in the training phase.
Visualization of ligand-induced transmembrane signalling in the full-length human insulin receptor
Authors: Gutmann Theresia , Kim Kelly H. , Grzybek Michal , Walz Thomas , Coskun Ünal
Published: October 2017

Using glycosylated full-length human insulin receptor reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs, we show that insulin binding to the dimeric receptor converts its ectodomains from an inverted U-shaped to a T-shaped conformation. This unprecedented structural rearrangement of the ectodomains propagates to the transmembrane domains, which are well separated in the inactive conformation, but come together upon insulin binding, allowing autophosphorylation of the cytoplasmic kinase domains.
LiBC3: a new borocarbide based on graphene and heterographene networks
Authors: Milashius Viktoria , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Kluziak Karolina , Dmytriv Grygoriy , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: October 2017

Li–B–C alloys have attracted much interest because of their potential use in lithium-ion batteries and superconducting materials. The formation of the new compound LiBC3 [lithium boron tricarbide; own structure type, space group P\overline{6}m2, a = 2.5408 (3) Å and c = 7.5989 (9) Å] has been revealed and belongs to the graphite-like structure family. The crystal structure of LiBC3 presents hexagonal graphene carbon networks, lithium layers and heterographene B/C networks, alternating sequentially along the c axis. According to electronic structure calculations using the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital-atomic spheres approximations (TB–LMTO–ASA) method, strong covalent B—C and C—C interactions are established. The coordination polyhedra for the B and C atoms are trigonal prisms and for the Li atoms are hexagonal prisms.
The mediating role of positive affect on the relationship between psychological empowerment and employee outcomes
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Even though the relationship between psychological empowerment and employee outcomes is well established, less is known about the mechanisms that underlie this relationship. Drawing on affective events theory and broaden-and-build theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine a mediation model in which psychological empowerment influences positive affect which in turn affects job satisfaction and work stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave longitudinal data from a sample of Welsh local government workers (n=362) were used to test the hypothesized relationships by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that psychological empowerment has a positive influence on positive affect. Furthermore, positive affect mediates the relationship between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction. However, it does not mediate the relationship between psychological empowerment and stress.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to empirically examine the mediating role of positive affect on the relationship between psychological empowerment and both job satisfaction and work stress.
Polaris India: riding ahead in an alternative market
Authors: Arora Soma
Published: October 2017

Subject area

International Marketing, Marketing Strategy.

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate Programs.

Case overview

This case investigated the effectiveness of experiential marketing on Indian customers and how it can be used to bring about significant positive change to the perception of a brand and its brand promise in emerging markets. Polaris India was a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries USA Inc. it was founded in India in 2011 with Mr Pallav Dubey as Head of the organization. Polaris specialized in building world class off road vehicles (ORVs) and was a global leader in the same. India did not have a ready-made market for ORVs as such. Mr Dubey was entrusted with the task of creating a market for the product and successfully sell it in the Indian market. There was no production facility in India and all the products were imported as Completely Built Unit (CBU) from US-based production facilities. Mr Dubey tried different communication adaptation methods using traditional styles of marketing which gave limited success. However, the concept of Polaris experience zones, which used the concept of experiential marketing was a hit and started yielding returns. The case study provided an opportunity to explore the reasons behind the success of Polaris India despite having a product whose price was affected by currency fluctuations, a product which was majorly used in agricultural areas in USA but was perceived as a premium product in emerging markets. The case also looked into the question of product adaptation and communication adaptation for successfully selling a product in the global market especially in emerging markets. The role of the chief protagonist Pallav, his contribution to the previous stints at different organizations and the role of a leader in this scenario has been brought to the forefront.

Expected learning outcomes

The case is expected to deliver answers to the following questions in an effective manner: How to price a product effectively in the International Market? What is Experiential Marketing? How is International Marketing strategy different in an emerging market?

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code:

CSS 8: Marketing.
Magnetism of WhatsApp among veterinary students
Authors: Malhotra Dhiraj Kumar , Bansal Sonia
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Instant messaging (IM) apps like WhatsApp have given an impetus to rapid sharing of information through multimedia messages in this information age and their clear impact has been noticed in the academic sector. The present study is conducted with the aim to understand the magnetism of WhatsApp among veterinary students. The major purpose of the study is to analyse the use of WhatsApp for academic proposes with a special emphasis on its impact on studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from students of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) using questionnaires as a tool. Questionnaires were randomly distributed among 100 postgraduate (PG) and 100 undergraduate (UG) students. In total, 78 PG and 77 UG students responded to the survey.

Findings

More than 90 per cent of the students were using WhatsApp for academic purposes. More UG students were using WhatsApp to chat, share images/videos and so forth for academic purposes as compared to PG students. Nearly two-thirds of the students admitted that addiction to using WhatsApp diverted attention from doing any other kind of activity. More than 75 per cent of the users were using WhatsApp while studying at their home or hostel. About 28 per cent of the students said that the use of WhatsApp had affected their studies, and more than 60 per cent of these students noticed a positive effect.

Originality/value

WhatsApp increases knowledge sharing, leading to enhanced creativity. Thus, WhatsApp can contribute significantly to the academic community by users consciously controlling its use and not allowing its addictive nature to divert attention from their studies.
Assessment of global law and psychiatry research in the period of 1993-2012
Authors: Lv Hong
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to analyze highly cited articles and global research emphases and trends of law and psychiatry (L&P) research during the period of 1993 to 2012 from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Besides the analysis of highly cited articles to learn about the classic articles and intellectual base of the L&P research domain, an attempt is made to detect research emphases and trends of the study field.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study applies quantitative analyses of citations of scientific publications to find highly cited articles and summarizes research hotspots and trends on L&P research articles from WOS during 1993-2012 using statistical analysis of words in titles, KeyWords Plus, author keywords and co-keywords.

Findings

The top 21 highly cited articles of research on L&P were found; most of the highly cited papers used survey research to measure patterns of violence of psychiatric patients. This present study identified forensic psychiatry, mental health and criminal offenders were the continuing mainstream topics in the L&P field and risk assessment, risk factors and risk management of violent behavior, legislation for sexual offences, mental health courts, recidivism and expert testimony were recent research emphases and trends of the study field. On the contrary, psychiatric hospitalization, psychiatrist-patient, community and services were not mainstream topics in the study field and were of decreasing importance and popularity in L&P research. Additionally, the topics of violent behavior and risk assessment have developed to a significant subgroup of L&P research. Finally, research emphases and trends in the L&P field were found based on the co-keywords cluster map and density map.

Originality/value

This is the first study to quantify and detect research emphases and trends in L&P from the WOS during 1993-2012, which may provide the groundwork for future studies of the L&P research domain, and offer some important suggestions and implications for professional researchers, specialists, publications’ editors and public policy makers concerned with the domain.
The influence of organizational culture on the performance of employees at University of Mercu Buana
Authors: Pawirosumarto Suharno , Setyadi Antonius , Khumaedi Evawati
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The pupose of this paper was to determine the influence of organizational culture on the performance of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out on non-lecturer employees at the University of Mercu Buana with a population amounted to 148 people. Sixty respondents were chosen as samples, determined through proportional random sampling. The analytical tool used was SPSS version 22.

Findings

The results show that that there is a significant influence in partial engagement and mission on the performance of non-lecturer employees. On the contrary, two variables, consistency and adaptability, partially do not have significant influence on the performance of employees at the University of Mercu Buana. Simultaneous testing on variables, namely, involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission, has significant influence on the employee’s performance.

Originality/value

The results of the study indicate that consistency and adaptability do not have any influence on the employees’ work performance in the context of higher education institution.
Institutional structures and the strength of investor confidence in Africa
Authors: Agyemang Otuo Serebour , Kyeraa Millicent , Ansong Abraham , Frimpong Siaw
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of country-level institutional structures in strengthening the level of investor confidence in Africa while controlling for real GDP growth, interest rate spread, inflation and country credit rating.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses panel data for the period 2009-2013. It takes into account the rule of law, political stability, regulatory quality, voice and accountability, control of corruption and property rights as potential institutional drivers of the level of investor confidence. These factors are based on their relative relevance from the extant literature. Correlated panels-corrected standard errors model was used to establish the relationship between the institutional structures and the strength of investor confidence.

Findings

The overall results show that rule of law, voice and accountability, property rights and political stability exhibit significant positive relationship with the strength of investor confidence in African economies. This implies that asking African economies to strengthen these institutional structures will result in enhanced investor confidence in their economies. This suggests that the establishment of these institutional structures is an effective tool to enhance investor confidence in African economies.

Practical implications

In addition to the long-term goal of promoting economic reforms, a corresponding long-term goal of strengthening institutional structures in African economies should be taken into consideration. Instead of waiting for their economic reforms to take effect, governments in African countries can, to some degree, attract investors into their economies by establishing credible institutional structures.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the knowledge on how country-level institutional structures influence the level of investor confidence in the context of Africa.
Implementation of Javanese traditional value in creating the accountable corporate social responsibility
Authors: Pujiyono  , Wiwoho Jamal , Sutopo Wahyudi
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of existing condition, rules and implementation of CSR and create harmony models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) between regulation, Javanese culture values and universal principles, to fill the lack of CSR regulation in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on sociology legal research. The regulations and principles have been studied by using the approach of law and social sciences. That characteristic is descriptive evaluative. The primary data are taken from interview with the senior source relations of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) in Jakarta, President Director of PT Rosalia Indah Group in Surakarta and Your Honour Prince of Surakarta Hanadiningrat Kingdom. Secondary data are obtained from the review of the literatures pertaining to the material. Secondary data consist of legal materials such as regulations, books, papers and other references. Data analysis technique use theoretical interpretative.

Findings

CSR is implemented by company only for lifting the image. CSR fund allocation is still a company’s secret, and it becomes evidence of the lack of transparency for companies to manage and provide social cost to society. It can also be found that some companies collect donations from the public for disaster relief, but in the distribution of aid, they use the name of a CSR company. There is polarization in the implementation of CSR. A government- owned company is already bound by the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of state-owned enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses the CSR implementation in Indonesia and it creates a model of accountability of CSR to fill the legal vacuum that occurs at this time. This paper formulates a good relation between traditional Javanese value, government regulations and universal CSR principle.

Practical implications

There remains a mismatch between the Javanese values of philosophy with the positive regulatory norms that result in the implementation of CSR only to meet the requirements of the positive regulatory norm and ignore the obligations involved and to aid the prosperity of the public society.

Social implications

Communities around a company have not been able to enjoy the advantages of the company. Communities should fight for their own lives without being dependent on or being supported by a company’s existence.

Originality/value

This research combines the Javanese values with the positive legal regulations in the implementation of CSR in Indonesia. This research has not been conducted by the others. This research will provides benefits on the idea of imposing sanctions on the non-implementation of CSR, not only through positive legal regulations but also through social sanctions embodied in the Javanese values.
Bibliographic control of theses and dissertations in Kenya
Authors: Ndungu Miriam Wanjiku
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify and analyse the challenges faced in the bibliographic control of theses and dissertations in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used descriptive survey method and targeted four universities in Kenya and two initiatives whose objective is compilation of a database of theses and dissertations. The total number of respondents was 17 out of a target of 21.

Findings

The study found delays in the libraries getting their designated copies; ineffective coordination between the different university departments in the deposition process; deposition of soft copies is still a grey area in the universities surveyed; libraries have embedded records of theses and dissertations in their Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs); delays in capturing theses and dissertations in the libraries’ OPACs; and lack of consistency and uniformity in the bibliographic records.

Research limitations/implications

Many universities have joined the electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) movement and now require graduating students to deposit an electronic copy of their research thesis or dissertation. Currently, universities in Kenya either already have institutional repositories (IRs) or they are at an advanced stage of implementation. There is need for further research on the status adoption of ETDs; the status of IRs; treatment of theses and dissertations (TDs) in Kenya; challenges and prospects of subject analysis of TDs; cost-effective metadata creation for TDs; issues in metadata creation and standardization for TDs; and automated metadata creation.

Practical implications

Without a comprehensive source of all TDs submitted in universities in Kenya, TDs will be inaccessible and therefore underutilised. There will also be the risk of duplication of research and plagiarism because it will be difficult to ascertain the authenticity and integrity of TDs submitted in the various universities.

Originality/value

This is the only research in Kenya that has analysed the status of bibliographic control of theses and dissertations. The study will enable university administrators to put in place appropriate policies for improved bibliographic control of theses and dissertations. The study may be used to inform policy frameworks as universities begin to build their institutional repositories. The findings shed light on the treatment of TDs and challenges of cataloguing them.
Proteomics analysis of Trichoplusia ni midgut epithelial cell brush border membrane vesicles
Authors: Javed Muhammad Afzal , Coutu Cathy , Theilmann David A. , Erlandson Martin A. , Hegedus Dwayne D.
Published: October 2017

The insect midgut epithelium is composed of columnar, goblet, and regenerative cells. Columnar epithelial cells are the most abundant and have membrane protrusions that form the brush border membrane (BBM) on their apical side. These increase surface area available for the transport of nutrients, but also provide opportunities for interaction with xenobiotics such as pathogens, toxins and host plant allelochemicals. Recent improvements in proteomic and bioinformatics tools provided an opportunity to determine the proteome of the T. ni BBM in unprecedented detail. This study reports the identification of proteins from BBM vesicles (BBMVs) using single dimension polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis coupled with multi‐dimensional protein identification technology. More than 3000 proteins were associated with the BBMV, of which 697 were predicted to possess either a signal peptide, at least one transmembrane domain or a GPI‐anchor signal. Of these, bioinformatics analysis and manual curation predicted that 185 may be associated with the BBMV or epithelial cell plasma membrane. These are discussed with respect to their predicted functions, namely digestion, nutrient uptake, cell signaling, development, cell–cell interactions, and other functions. We believe this to be the most detailed proteomic analysis of the lepidopteran midgut epithelium membrane to date, which will provide information to better understand the biochemical, physiological and pathological processes taking place in the larval midgut.
Spinal or general anaesthesia for lower‐limb amputation in peripheral artery disease – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Niskakangas M. , Dahlbacka S. , Liisanantti J. , Vakkala M. , Kaakinen T.
Published: October 2017

Background

The present study aimed to determine which method of anaesthesia (spinal anaesthesia or general anaesthesia) is better in reducing post‐operative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing major limb amputation for lower‐limb ischaemia. Another aim was to find out if anaesthesiologists use neuraxial anaesthesia in high‐risk patients despite abnormal coagulation profile or use of anticoagulation.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort study. All patients undergone above‐the‐knee amputation or below‐the‐knee amputation due to peripheral artery disease between 1996 and 2010 were reviewed to evaluate post‐operative opioid consumption and complications.

Results

A total of 434 amputations in 323 patients were included in the study. The number of surgical complications, the need for surgical revision and the number of intensive care unit admissions were significantly higher in the general anaesthesia group. The need for post‐operative opioid medication was significantly lower in patients with above‐the‐knee amputation and spinal anaesthesia. The use of post‐operative epidural analgesia did not reduce analgesic requirements. In the present study, there were patients who received neuraxial anaesthesia despite abnormal coagulation profile or uninterrupted warfarin or clopidogrel. There were no reported cases of spinal or epidural haematoma.

Conclusion

Patients with spinal anaesthesia had a lower rate of surgical complications, re‐operations and intensive care unit admissions. Patients with above‐the‐knee amputation and spinal anaesthesia had a lesser need for opioid medication in the post‐operative period than patients with general anaesthesia. Anaesthesiologists performed neuraxial anaesthesia and/or analgesia in high‐risk patients despite abnormal coagulation profile or ongoing anticoagulation, but no adverse outcomes were reported.
Meta‐Analyses of Externalizing Disorders: Genetics or Prenatal Alcohol Exposure?
Authors: Wetherill Leah , Foroud Tatiana , Goodlett Charles
Published: October 2017

Background

Externalizing disorders are heritable precursors to alcohol dependence, common in children of alcoholics (COA), and in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Pregnancies involving alcohol exposure sufficient to affect the fetus may involve women with genetic risk for alcohol dependence. We hypothesized that known PAE will increase the odds of having an externalizing disorder compared to COA.

Methods

The odds ratios of 3 externalizing disorders (attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], conduct disorder [CD], and oppositional defiant disorder [ODD]) were obtained for 2 domains: (i) PAE and (ii) COA, by estimating the logged odds ratio (LOR) for each study. Permutation tests were implemented to compare LORs for PAE versus COA studies within each disorder, including PAE versus an alcohol dependent (AD) mother and PAE versus an AD father.

Results

In PAE studies, the odds of ADHD and CD were elevated. Rates of all 3 disorders were elevated in COA studies. Permutation tests revealed that the mean LOR for ADHD was significantly higher in PAE studies compared to: COA (p = 0.01), AD mother (p < 0.05), and AD father (p = 0.03). No differences were found for ODD (p = 0.09) or CD (p = 0.21).

Conclusions

These results provide compelling evidence of an increased risk of ADHD in those with PAE beyond that due to parental alcohol dependence or a genetic liability, consistent with a unique etiology most likely due to direct alcohol exposure during prenatal development.
Evaluation of the influence of time and concentration of sodium hypochlorite on the bond strength of glass fibre post
Authors: Knight Beau , Love Robert M. , George Roy
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated the effect of time and concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on the bond strength of a glass fibre post cemented in a root canal with resin cement. A total of 45 single‐rooted extracted human teeth were prepared with Protaper® universal files, randomly allocated into nine groups and then subjected to 1% or 4% NaOCl for a period of 1 min or 2 min. Fibre posts were then bonded into the root canal, sectioned and the bond strength tested using a push‐out test. A longer irrigation time resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in bond strength, while a final additional irrigation with distilled water significantly reduced bond strength. The concentration of NaOCl did not significantly affect bond strength. Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that regardless of the concentration of NaOCl used, shorter irrigation times favoured better fibre post bonding.