bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shadow economy in a turbulent environment: evidence from Poland
Authors: Mróz Bogdan
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical insight into the functioning of the informal sector in Poland and highlight the reasons for involvement of economic agents in the new forms of the shadow economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is focused on the analysis of different manifestations of unregistered economic activities in Poland. The author draws upon the latest available research findings on the subject including shadow economy estimates. Finally, the case study analysis of the tobacco industry in Poland has been used to exemplify and highlight the driving forces conducive to the expansion of the informal sector.

Findings

The informal sector’s share of the Polish economy in the years 2010-2015 was put as ranging between 12.1 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) and 14.5 per cent GDP (with the peak in 2013) by the GUS (Polish Main Statistical Office), between 19.2 per cent GDP and 21.1 per cent GDP by the IBnGR think tank (peak in 2012) and between 23.3 per cent and 25.4 per cent GDP by Professor F. Schneider.

Research limitations/implications

The case study of the tobacco industry, although well illustrates the dynamics of the shadow economy, does not provide a comprehensive picture of the Poland’s informal sector.

Practical implications

The paper provides tips and recommendations aimed at reducing the size of the shadow economy.

Social implications

Reducing the size of the informal sector could strengthen the social integrity and cohesion.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into new areas and manifestations of the shadow economy in Poland exemplified by the case study of the tobacco industry.
Money laundering risk from emerging markets: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Ba Hung , Huynh Tran
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the framework Price (2008) and HSBC Money Laundering Risk Procedures 2016 for estimating the risk contribution of each individual customer in Vietnamese banking system using the information from the survey in South East region in Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh city in specific.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the collected data from the survey, the Money Laundering Risk Score (MLRS) is calculated for each customer who is using the services and products of Vietnamese commercial banks by the enhanced measurement model of Christopher Price, the ordinary least squares and three variations of logistic regression model.

Findings

This paper proposes an appropriate estimation of the money laundering risk (MLR) for personal customer using the most significant factors that affects MLR and suggests practical recommendations for commercial banking system.

Practical implications

This paper suggests an intuitive method to estimate the contribution of each customer factor on their MLRS.

Originality/value

The higher respondent’s group of age lead to the higher MLR occurred in the financial market. Follow the works of Wolfsberg et al. (2006), Sathan and Mahendhiran (2007), Usman Kemal (2014) and Reganati and Oliva (2017), this paper also confirms negative relationship between MLR with the respondent’s group of salary and the academic level. This indicated that the lower amount of money the respondents earn and lower academic level they were, the higher degree of MLR.
Determinants of money laundering: evidence from Italian regions
Authors: Reganati Filippo , Oliva Maria
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the determinants of money laundering in Italy. Given the high heterogeneity in terms of economic, social and institutional characteristics, Italy is a compelling case study.

Design/methodology/approach

By using annual data over the period 2008 to 2013, the authors estimate a balanced panel data linear model using feasible generalized least squares. Following the main literature on the economics of crime, the authors regress the crime rate in each region-year against a set of determinants that include socio-economic, enforcement and crime-specific factors.

Findings

The authors’ findings reveal that, in most Italian regions, enforcement activities do exert significant deterrence on criminal behaviors: and a negative relationship between enforcement and money laundering can be identified only when there are high levels of enforcement efforts. Moreover, the authors find that the major determinants influencing the rate of money laundering differ between northern, central and southern regions, confirming the existence of regional dualism. In particular, the crime rate in the northern and central area is positively related to the level of corruption and the incidence of mafia-type crimes and negatively related to educational attainment, whereas in the southern regions, money laundering is positively related to the size of the gaming and gambling sector.

Originality/value

The present paper contributes to the extant literature on the economics of crime in several ways. First, it explicitly analyzes a specific type of financial crime, which presents the higher degree of sanctioning regime in the Italian legislation. Second, Italy offers an important country study because of the forceful presence of mafia clans and organized crime systems operating in the illegal market.
The influence of formal institutions on the relationship between entrepreneurial readiness and entrepreneurial behaviour
Authors: Raza Ali , Muffatto Moreno , Saeed Saadat
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a unique set of measures from Holmeset al.(2013) to clarify the relationship between entrepreneurial readiness and entrepreneurial behaviours across countries and determine whether formal institutions moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data collected by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the Index of Economic Freedom, Political Risk Services, and the Freedom House and Political Constraint Index to test a theoretical model. A multilevel analysis is performed based on set of 377,356 observations from 51 countries spanning eight years (2001-2008).

Findings

The results suggest that entrepreneurial readiness has a strong relationship with entrepreneurial behaviour (as measured by entrepreneurial entry and opportunity-based entrepreneurship) and that this relationship strengthens with increases in political democracy (PD), government regulations (GR), financial capital availability (FCA) and market liquidity (ML).

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on Holmeset al.’s (2013) institutions that are most important for society, uses satisfactory sample size and multi-level modelling. However, many more institutional conditions that remain to be considered might affect entrepreneurial activities.

Practical implications

For policy-makers, the results show that PD, GR, FCA and ML correlate favourably with entrepreneurial behaviour when individuals have a high level of entrepreneurial readiness. Policy-makers should introduce policies that provide a secure environment to individuals to start their own ventures.

Originality/value

The current study is among the first to examine the three dimensions of formal institutions—political, regulatory, and economic institutions—in a single study. Using the three dimensions, the study explains theoretically and examines empirically the effect of individual-level entrepreneurial readiness on entrepreneurial behaviour.
Successful treatment of multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae with thoracoscopy
Authors: Wang Yufei , Wang Ke , Guo Chunyan , Guo Zhanlin
Published: June 2018

Congenital pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae occur as a result of abnormal blood vessel development in the lungs. Blood takes a short pass from the pulmonary artery to veins. Multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae are a rare occurrence, especially when involving both lungs. Fistulae located at the edge are prone to rupture and bleeding. We discuss a case of a 15‐year‐old overweight male with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae successfully treated with wedge‐shape excision via video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Neurological prognostication tools in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients in Danish intensive care units from 2005 to 2013
Authors: Winther‐Jensen M. , Hassager C. , Lassen J. F. , Køber L. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Hansen S. M. , Lippert F. , Kragholm K. , Christensen E. F. , Kjaergaard J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Neurological prognostication is an essential part of post‐resuscitation care in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study aims to assess the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) of the head, electroencephalography (EEG), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) in neurological prognostication in resuscitatedOHCApatients and factors associated with their use in Danish tertiary and non‐tertiary centers from 2005 to 2013 and associations with outcome.

Methods

We used the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry to identify patients ≥18 years of age admitted to intensive care units due toOHCAof presumed cardiac etiology.CT0‐20 days andMR,SSEP, andEEG≥2‐20 days postOHCAwere considered related to prognostication. Incidence and factors associated with procedures were assessed by multiple Cox regression with death as competing risk.

Results

Use ofCT,MR,EEG, andSSEPincreased during the study period (CT: 51%‐67%,HRCT: 1.06,CI: 1.03‐1.08,MR: 2%‐5%,P = .08,EEG: 6%‐33%,HREEG: 1.25,CI: 1.19‐1.30,SSEP: 4%‐15%,HRSSEP: 1.23,CI: 1.15‐1.32).EEGandSSEPwere more used in tertiary centers than non‐tertiary (HREEG: 1.86,CI: 1.51‐2.29,HRSSEP: 4.44,CI: 2.86‐6.89). Use ofCT,SSEP, andEEGwere associated with higher 30‐day mortality, andMRwas associated with lower (HRCT: 1.15,CI: 1.01‐1.30,HRMR: 0.53,CI: 0.37‐0.77,HRSSEP: 1.90,CI: 1.57‐2.32,HREEG: 1.75,CI: 1.49‐2.05).

Conclusion

Use of neurological prognostication procedures increased during the study period.EEGandSSEPwere more used in tertiary centers.CT,EEGandSSEPwere associated with increased mortality.
Abuse liability and therapeutic potential of the Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) alkaloids mitragynine and 7‐hydroxymitragynine
Authors: Hemby Scott E. , McIntosh Scot , Leon Francisco , Cutler Stephen J. , McCurdy Christopher R.
Published: June 2018

Kratom, derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, is receiving increased attention as an alternative to traditional opiates and as a replacement therapy for opiate dependence. Mitragynine (MG) and 7‐hydroxymitragynine (7‐HMG) are major psychoactive constituents of kratom. While MG and 7‐HMG share behavioral and analgesic properties with morphine, their reinforcing effects have not been examined to date. 7‐HMG, but not MG, substituted for morphine self‐administration in a dose‐dependent manner in the rat self‐administration paradigm. Following the substitution procedure, re‐assessment of morphine self‐administration revealed a significant increase following 7‐HMG and a significant decrease following MG substitution. In a separate cohort, 7‐HMG, but not MG, engendered and maintained intravenous self‐administration in a dose‐dependent manner. The effects of pretreatment with nalxonaxine (NLXZ), a μ1 opiate receptor antagonist, and naltrindole (NTI), a δ opiate receptor antagonist, on 7‐HMG and morphine self‐administration were also examined. Both NLXZ and NTI reduced 7‐HMG self‐administration, whereas only NLXZ decreased morphine intake. The present results are the first to demonstrate that 7‐HMG is readily self‐administered, and the reinforcing effects of 7‐HMG are mediated in part by μ and δ opiate receptors. In addition, prior exposure to 7‐HMG increased subsequent morphine intake whereas prior exposure to MG decreased morphine intake. The present findings indicate that MG does not have abuse potential and reduces morphine intake, desired characteristics of candidate pharmacotherapies for opiate addiction and withdrawal, whereas 7‐HMG should be considered a kratom constituent with high abuse potential that may also increase the intake of other opiates.
Classifying and characterizing nicotine use disorder with high accuracy using machine learning and resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Wetherill Reagan R. , Rao Hengyi , Hager Nathan , Wang Jieqiong , Franklin Teresa R. , Fan Yong
Published: June 2018

Cigarette smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Although the majority of smokers report making a quit attempt in the past year, smoking cessation rates remain modest. Thus, developing accurate, data‐driven methods that can classify and characterize the neural features of nicotine use disorder (NUD) would be a powerful clinical tool that could aid in optimizing treatment development and guide treatment modifications. This investigation applied support vector machine‐based classification to resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) data from individuals diagnosed with NUD (n = 108; 63 male) and matched nonsmoking controls (n = 108; 63 male) and multi‐dimensional scaling to visualize the heterogeneity of NUD in individual smokers based on rsFC measures. Machine‐based learning models identified five resting‐state networks that played a role in distinguishing smokers from controls: the posterior and anterior default mode networks, the sensorimotor network, the salience network and the right executive control network. The classification method constructed classifiers with an average correct classification rate of 88.1 percent and an average area under the curve of 0.93. Compared with controls, individuals with NUD had weaker functional connectivity measures within these networks (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Further, multi‐dimensional scaling visualization demonstrated that controls were similar to each other whereas individuals with NUD had less similarity to controls and to other individuals with NUD. Our findings build upon previous literature demonstrating that machine learning‐based approaches to classifying rsFC data offer a valuable technique to understanding network‐level differences in nicotine‐related neurobiology and extend previous findings by improving classification accuracy and demonstrating the heterogeneity in resting‐state networks of individuals with NUD.
Multi‐level analysis of alcohol‐related injury, societal drinking pattern and alcohol control policy: emergency department data from 28 countries
Authors: Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Witbrodt Jane , Korcha Rachael A. , Ye Yu , Kool Bridget , Monteiro Maristela
Published: June 2018

Background and Aims

Societal‐level volume and pattern of drinking and alcohol control policy have received little attention in the alcohol and injury literature. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between alcohol‐related injury, individual‐level drinking variables, country‐level detrimental drinking pattern and alcohol policy.

Design

Probability samples of emergency department (ED) patients from the International Collaborative Alcohol and Injury Study (ICAIS), which includes four collaborative ED studies on alcohol and injury, all using a similar methodology, were analyzed with multi‐level modeling of individual‐level drinking variables and aggregate‐level variables (country drinking pattern and alcohol policy) on alcohol‐related injury in 33 ED studies.

Setting

Sixty‐two emergency departments in 28 countries covering five regions.

Participants

A total of 14 390 injured patients arriving to the ED within 6 hours following injury.

Measures

Alcohol‐related injuries (self‐reported drinking prior to the event and causal attribution of injury to drinking) were analyzed in relation to individual‐level volume and pattern of drinking, study‐level alcohol volume, country detrimental drinking pattern (DDP) and an alcohol policy measure, the International Alcohol Policy and Injury Index (IAPII). The IAPII includes four regulatory domains: availability, vehicular, advertising and drinking context.

Findings

Controlling for demographic characteristics, individual‐level drinking and study‐level volume, the IAPII was associated significantly with the proportion of both self‐reported drinking [confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–0.99;P < 0.001] and causal attribution (CI = 0.97–0.99;P < 0.01) and DDP had little effect on these associations. All four domains were significantly predictive of self‐reported drinking [availability (CI = 0.93–0.98,P < 0.01); vehicular (CI = 0.91–0.97,P < 0.001); advertising CI = 0.82–0.94,P < 0.01); and context (CI = 0.93–0.99,P < 0.01], while only the vehicular domain was significantly predictive of causal attribution (CI = 0.92–0.99;P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The more restrictive the alcohol policy in a country, the lower the rate of alcohol‐related injury, with country‐level drinking pattern having little effect on this relationship.
Predictive value of unshielded magnetocardiographic mapping to differentiate atrial fibrillation patients from healthy subjects
Authors: Guida Gianluigi , Sorbo Anna Rita , Fenici Riccardo , Brisinda Donatella
Published: June 2018

Background

P‐wave duration, its dispersion and signal‐averaged ECG, are currently used markers of vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF). However, since tangential atrial currents are better detectable at the body surface as magnetic than electric signals, we investigated the accuracy of magnetocardiographic mapping (MCG), recorded in unshielded clinical environments, as predictor of AF occurrence.

Methods

MCG recordings, in sinus rhythm (SR), of 71 AF patients and 75 controls were retrospectively analyzed. Beside electric and magnetic P‐wave and PR interval duration, two MCG P‐wave subintervals, defined P‐dep and P‐rep, were measured, basing on the point of inversion of atrial magnetic field (MF). Eight parameters were calculated from inverse solution with “Effective Magnetic Dipole (EMD) model” and 5 from “MF Extrema” analysis. Discriminant analysis (DA) was used to assess MCG predictive accuracy to differentiate AF patients from controls.

Results

All but one (P‐rep) intervals were significantly longer in AF patients. At univariate analysis, three EMD parameters differed significantly: in AF patients, the dipole‐angle‐elevation angular speed was lower during P‐dep (p < 0.05) and higher during P‐rep (p < 0.001) intervals. The space‐trajectory during P‐rep and the angle‐dynamics during P‐dep were higher (p < 0.05), whereas ratio‐dynamics P‐dep was lower (p < 0.01), in AF. At DA, with a combination of MCG and clinical parameters, 81.5% accuracy in differentiating AF patients from controls was achieved. At Cox‐regression, the angle‐dynamics P‐dep was an independent predictor of AF recurrences (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Quantitative analysis of atrial MF dynamics in SR and the solution of the inverse problem provide new sensitive markers of vulnerability to AF.
Ethnographic Advocacy Against the Death Penalty
Authors: Cheng Jesse
Published: June 2018

This article develops the concept of “ethnographic advocacy” to make sense of the humanizing, open‐ended knowledge practices involved in the defense of criminal defendants charged with capital murder. Drawing from anthropological fieldwork with well‐respected figures in the American capital defense bar, as well as my own professional experience as an investigator specializing in death penalty sentencing mitigation, I argue that effective advocacy for life occurs through qualitative knowledge practices that share notable methodological affinities with contemporary anthropological ethnography. The article concludes with a preliminary exploration of what the concept of ethnographic advocacy might reveal about academic anthropology's own advocative engagements.
The Problem of “Ninjas” and “Bandits”: Ethnographic Encounters with Reformist Muslim Women in Guinea
Authors: Fioratta Susanna
Published: June 2018

Muslim women in Guinea who wear face and body coverings are derisively called “ninjas” and “bandits,” while those who attend Arabic language and Koranic reading classes are widely regarded with suspicion. This article focuses on women participating in a controversial religious movement, explores how these women engage and embody the limits of gender roles, and asks how examining the experiences of aberrant women can challenge assumptions about both gender and ethnographic practice.
Things that Art
Authors: Lochlann Jain S.
Published: June 2018

In this essay I situate my recent on‐going series of drawings, Things that Art, which investigates and deconstructs the ideas of collection and labeling in order to consider how scholars might creatively think with and through methods used by artists.
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy provides an additive physiological benefit following treatment of aortic stenosis: Insights from serial coronary wave intensity analysis
Authors: Broyd Christopher J. , Rigo Fausto , Nijjer Sukhjinder , Sen Sayan , Petraco Ricardo , Al‐Lamee Rasha , Foin Nicolas , Chukwuemeka Andrew , Anderson Jon , Parker Jessica , Malik Iqbal S. , Mikhail Ghada W. , Francis Darrel P. , Parker Kim , Hughes Alun D. , Mayet Jamil , Davies Justin E.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Severe aortic stenosis frequently involves the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) creating a dichotomous haemodynamic state within the coronary circulation. Whilst the increased force of ventricular contraction enhances its resultant relaxation and thus increases the distal diastolic coronary “suction” force, the presence of LVH has a potentially opposing effect on ventricular‐coronary interplay. The aim of this study was to use non‐invasive coronary wave intensity analysis (WIA) to separate and measure the sequential effects of outflow tract obstruction relief and then LVH regression following intervention for aortic stenosis.

Methods

Fifteen patients with unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing aortic valve intervention (11 surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR], 4 TAVI) were successfully assessed before and after intervention, and at 6 and 12 months post‐procedure. Coronary WIA was constructed from simultaneously acquired coronary flow from transthoracic echo and pressure from an oscillometric brachial cuff system.

Results

Immediately following intervention, a decline in the backward decompression wave (BDW) was noted (9.7 ± 5.7 vs 5.1 ± 3.6 × 103 W/m2/s, P < 0.01). Over 12 months, LV mass index fell from 114 ± 19 to 82 ± 17 kg/m2. Accompanying this, the BDW fraction increased to 32.8 ± 7.2% at 6 months (P = 0.01 vs post‐procedure) and 34.7 ± 6.7% at 12 months (P < 0.001 vs post‐procedure).

Conclusion

In aortic stenosis, both the outflow tract gradient and the presence of LVH impact significantly on coronary haemodynamics that cannot be appreciated by examining resting coronary flow rates alone. An immediate change in coronary wave intensity occurs following intervention with further effects appreciable with hypertrophy regression. The improvement in prognosis with treatment is likely to be attributable to both features.
Luteolin Decreases Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor‐Mediated Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Anson David M. , Wilcox Rachel M. , Huseman Eric D. , Stump Trevor A. , Paris Robert L. , Darkwah Belinda O. , Lin Stacy , Adegoke Andrea O. , Gryka Rebecca J. , Jean‐Louis Denise S. , Amos Samson
Published: June 2018

Glioblastomas are a subtype of gliomas, which are the most aggressive and deadly form of brain tumours. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over‐expressed and amplified in glioblastomas. Luteolin is a common bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular and biological effects of luteolin on EGF‐induced cell proliferation and the potential of luteolin to induce apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. In vitro cell viability assays demonstrated that luteolin decreased cell proliferation in the presence or absence of EGF. Immunoblots revealed that luteolin decreased the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and MAPK in the presence of EGF. Furthermore, our results revealed the ability of luteolin to induce caspase and PARP cleavages in glioblastoma cells in addition to promoting cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that luteolin has an inhibitory effect on downstream signalling molecules activated by EGFR, particularly the Akt and MAPK signalling pathways, and provided a rationale for further clinical investigation into the use of luteolin as a therapeutic molecule in the management of glioblastoma.
Antimicrobial endotoxin‐neutralizing peptides promote keratinocyte migration via P2X7 receptor activation and accelerate wound healing in vivo
Authors: Pfalzgraff Anja , Bárcena‐Varela Sergio , Heinbockel Lena , Gutsmann Thomas , Brandenburg Klaus , Martinez‐de‐Tejada Guillermo , Weindl Günther
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose

Wound healing is a complex process that is essential to provide skin homeostasis. Infection with pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can lead to chronic wounds, which are challenging to heal. Previously, we demonstrated that the antimicrobial endotoxin‐neutralizing peptide Pep19‐2.5 promotes artificial wound closure in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated the mechanism of peptide‐induced cell migration and if Pep19‐2.5 accelerates wound closure in vivo.

Experimental Approach

Cell migration was examined in HaCaT keratinocytes and P2X7 receptor‐overexpressing HEK293 cells using the wound healing scratch assay. The protein expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2, ATP release, calcium influx and mitochondrial ROS were analysed to characterize Pep19‐2.5‐mediated signalling. For in vivo studies, female BALB/c mice were wounded and infected with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or left non‐infected and treated topically with Pep19‐2.5 twice daily for 6 days.

Key Results

Specific P2X7 receptor antagonists inhibited Pep19‐2.5‐induced cell migration and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in keratinocytes and P2X7 receptor‐transfected HEK293 cells. ATP release was not increased by Pep19‐2.5; however, ATP was required for cell migration. Pep19‐2.5 increased cytosolic calcium and mitochondrial ROS, which were involved in peptide‐induced migration and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In both non‐infected and MRSA‐infected wounds, the wound diameter was reduced already at day 2 post‐wounding in the Pep19‐2.5‐treated groups compared to vehicle, and remained decreased until day 6.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data suggest the potential application of Pep19‐2.5 in the treatment of non‐infected and S. aureus‐infected wounds and provide insights into the mechanism involved in Pep19‐2.5‐induced wound healing.
Qualitative exploration of a targeted school‐based mindfulness course in England
Authors: McGeechan Grant J. , Richardson Catherine , Wilson Lynn , Allan Keith , Newbury‐Birch Dorothy
Published: June 2018

Background

Mindfulness‐based training has been shown to provide benefits for adults with numerous conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and depression. However, less is known about its impact for young people. Early adolescence (typically 10–14 years) is a time fraught with challenges such as cognitive changes, social, and academic pressures in the form of exams, all of which can provoke anxiety. While there is a lack of effectiveness studies, there is growing interest in the potential for school‐based mindfulness programmes to help young people cope with the pressures of modern life.

Methods

This study outlines a qualitative exploration of a school‐based targeted mindfulness course. We interviewed 16 young people who had taken part in a 10‐week mindfulness course, and held a focus group with three members of teaching staff who delivered the programme. Interviews and focus groups were analysed using applied thematic analysis.

Results

While young people felt that they had to take part, once they started the programme they enjoyed it. Young people felt that they learned a range of coping skills, and it had a positive impact on their behaviour. However, the targeted approach of the intervention could lead to young people being stigmatised by their peers. Teaching staff could see the potential benefit of mindfulness courses in schools but felt there were some barriers to be overcome if it were to be implemented in the long term.

Conclusions

Young people were willing to engage in mindful practice and felt it better equipped them to deal with stressful situations.
Individual and monitoring centre influences upon anticoagulation control of AF patients on warfarin: A longitudinal multi‐centre UK‐based study
Authors: Abohelaika Salah , Wynne Hilary , Avery Peter , Robinson Brian , Jones Lisa , Tait Campbell , Dickinson Bradley , Salisbury Julie , Nightingale Joanna , Green Louise , Kamali Farhad
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Time within therapeutic INR range (TTR) predicts benefits/risk of warfarin therapy. Identification of individual‐ and centre‐related factors that influence TTR, and addressing them to improve anticoagulation control, are important. This study examined the impact of individual and centre‐related factors upon long‐term anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients in seven UK‐based monitoring services.

Methods

Data between 2000 and 2014 on 25 270 patients (equating to 203 220 patient years) [18 120 (71.7%) in general practice, 2348 (9.3%) in hospital‐based clinics and 4802 (19.0%) in domiciliary service] were analysed.

Results

TTR increased with increasing age, peaking around 77% at 70‐75 years, and then declined, was lower in females than males, and in dependent home‐monitored patients than those attending clinic (P < 0.0001). TTR, number of dose changes and INR monitoring events and the probability of TTR ≤ 65%, differed across the centres (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Although all the participating centres ostensively followed a standard dosing algorithm, our results indicate that variations in practice do occur between different monitoring sites. We suggest feedback on TTR for individual monitoring sites gauged against the average values reported by others would empower the individual centres to improve quality outcomes of anticoagulation therapy by identifying and adjusting contributory factors within their management system.
Multigenerational and transgenerational effects of paternal exposure to drugs of abuse on behavioral and neural function
Authors: Goldberg Lisa R. , Gould Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

Addictions are highly heritable disorders, with heritability estimates ranging from 39% to 72%. Multiple studies suggest a link between paternal drug abuse and addiction in their children. However, patterns of inheritance cannot be explained purely by Mendelian genetic mechanisms. Exposure to drugs of abuse results in epigenetic changes that may be passed on through the germline. This mechanism of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a link between paternal drug exposure and addiction susceptibility in the offspring. Recent studies have begun to investigate the effect of paternal drug exposure on behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes in offspring of drug‐exposed fathers in rodent models. This review aims to discuss behavioral and neural effects of paternal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and nicotine. Although a special focus will be on addiction‐relevant behaviors, additional behavioral effects including cognition, anxiety, and depressive‐like behaviors will be discussed.
Tau uptake in agrammatic primary progressive aphasia with and without apraxia of speech
Authors: Utianski R. L. , Whitwell J. L. , Schwarz C. G. , Duffy J. R. , Botha H. , Clark H. M. , Machulda M. M. , Senjem M. L. , Knopman D. S. , Petersen R. C. , Jack C. R. , Lowe V. J. , Josephs K. A.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

The non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (agPPA) is a heterogeneous diagnosis wherein some individuals have apraxia of speech (AOS). When agPPA includes AOS, a tauopathy is the likely underlying pathology. Recently, [18F]AV‐1451 was developed for the in‐vivo assessment of tau. In this study, we compared patterns of tau tracer uptake in patients with agPPA with and without AOS.

Methods

Nine patients with agPPA (four without AOS) underwent tau positron emission tomography imaging with [18F]AV‐1451. Uptake of [18F]AV‐1451 was assessed as cortical to cerebellar crus ratio (standard uptake value ratio) in cortical regions of interest measured using the MCALT atlas and compared voxel‐wise in SPM12. Each patient was age‐ and sex‐matched to three controls.

Results

The agPPA without AOS showed uptake in the left frontal and temporal lobes, whereas agPPA with AOS showed uptake in the bilateral supplementary motor areas, frontal lobes, precuneus and precentral gyrus relative to controls. The left precentral gyrus had uptake in agPPA with AOS relative to those without AOS.

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study suggests that [18F]AV‐1451 uptake in the precentral gyrus is implicated in AOS in agPPA.
Pooling of genital swabs for detection by PCR of Taylorella equigenitalis, the cause of contagious equine metritis
Authors: Mawhinney I. , Errington J. , Stamper N. , Torrens N. , Engelsma M. Y. , Roest H. I. J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Sets of genital swabs are routinely taken from horses to screen for the presence of Taylorella equigenitalis, the cause of contagious equine metritis. Typically, two to four different sites are swabbed at a time and tested by culture or PCR.

Objectives

This study explored the feasibility of pooling these swabs for a single PCR test per animal instead of testing each swab individually.

Study design

In vitro.

Methods

PCR signal strengths (Ct values) from 149 historical PCR positive genital swabs, together with historical data on the number of swabs in a set expected to be positive, were used to assess the suitability of pooling for screening horses for T. equigenitalis infection in the population at large. Twenty‐four sets of four equine genital swabs were tested. The sets were prepared in the laboratory using one or more swabs positive for T. equigenitalis from naturally infected cases. Positive and negative swabs were selected to reflect a typical range of PCR Ct values expected in field cases of T. equigenitalis infection. These pools were tested by an established PCR to assess the impact and suitability of a PCR test on pooled swabs compared to individual swab testing, by comparing the Ct values.

Results

Pooling one positive swab with three negative swabs produced a small drop in Ct value but all pools were still clearly positive.

Main limitations

Large numbers of field positive horses are not available, but the proof of concept approach with laboratory prepared pools shows the method is applicable to field cases.

Conclusions

It was concluded that pooling of swabs would confer no appreciable drop in the ability to detect a positive animal compared to individual swab testing; pooling is therefore a suitable alternative to individual swab testing with reduced costs.

The Summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
A comparison of rolling contact fatigue behaviour of 17NiCrMo6‐4 case‐hardened disc specimens and gears
Authors: Terrin A. , Meneghetti G.
Published: June 2018

A two‐disc test rig employed to assess the contact fatigue performance of gear materials is presented. Tests were performed on both shot‐peened and un‐peened 17NiCrMo6‐4 discs, designed to recreate the meshing conditions between the sun and planet gears of planetary gear sets in the wheel hubs of off‐highway vehicles. The mechanisms leading to pitting damage in disc specimens are discussed. Disc specimens with the same slide‐to‐roll ratio as that of the sun gears exhibited similar crater morphology but had 44% higher capacity in terms of contact pressure. This difference was attributed to changes in the disc geometry due to wear and micropitting during the tests, which enhanced the conformity between the contact surfaces and thus reduced the contact pressure for a given applied load.
Miglitol attenuates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in diabetic patients
Authors: Komatsu Michiharu , Tanaka Naoki , Kimura Takefumi , Fujimori Naoyuki , Sano Kenji , Horiuchi Akira , Sugiura Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoo , Shibata Soichiro , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji
Published: June 2018

Aim

Postprandial hyperglycemia is frequently accompanied by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH). Although α‐glucosidase inhibitors (αGIs) can slow glucose absorption from the intestine and suppress the surge of circulating glucose concentration after meals, it remains unclear whether αGIs are also beneficial for NASH. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the efficacy and safety of miglitol, a typical αGI, for NASH.

Methods

Seventeen patients with histologically confirmed NASH and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >6.5% were treated with miglitol (150 mg/day) for 12 months. The changes in clinical parameters and liver histology were analyzed.

Results

All patients completed the 12‐month miglitol treatment course with no severe adverse events. The treatment significantly decreased body mass index, serum alanine aminotransferase levels, and HbA1c (all P < 0.001). Post‐treatment liver biopsy of 11 patients revealed significant improvements in steatosis (from 2.2 ± 0.6 to 1.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.001), lobular inflammation (from 1.8 ± 0.8 to 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.014), portal inflammation scores (from 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.025), and NAFLD activity score (from 5.5 ± 1.5 to 3.9 ± 1.4, P = 0.012). Fibrosis and hepatocyte ballooning scores were unchanged.

Conclusions

Miglitol appears to safely ameliorate NASH activity by attenuation of steatosis and lobular/portal inflammation. Appropriately powered controlled trials are warranted to validate our results.
Genetic structure of the Painted Bunting and its implications for conservation of migratory populations
Authors: Contina Andrea , Alcantara Jose L. , Bridge Eli S. , Ross Jeremy D. , Oakley William F. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Ruegg Kristen C.
Published: June 2018

The Painted BuntingPasserina cirisis a Neotropical songbird which breeds primarily in theUSAduring the summer and migrates to Mexico, Central America, southern Florida and the Caribbean over the winter. Male Painted Buntings are brightly coloured, which makes them highly sought after as pets, particularly in Mexico, Central America and Europe. We used short sequence repeats (microsatelliteDNA) to investigate the population genetic structure of the Painted Bunting and its implications in conservation management of migratory populations. We found a detectable level of population differentiation as revealed by pairwiseFSTandRSTcomparisons and Bayesian clustering analyses, with strong support for differentiation between eastern and western Painted Buntings (e.g. Oklahoma and GeorgiaFST = 0.1;P = 0.005;RST = 0.18;P = 0.04) in accordance with previous mitochondrialDNAanalysis. We recovered additional support for two sub‐groups within the western clade. While linking migrant songbirds captured outside of theUSAto their breeding populations remains a challenge, we show that natural levels of population genetic differentiation can be detected via microsatelliteDNAmarkers and exploited in migratory connectivity studies. We also demonstrate the potential utility of our low‐cost markers for population identification of birds recovered from the pet trade by screening a small subset of samples (n = 5) collected as part of wildlife tracking. We discuss the implications of our results for future efforts to understand patterns of population decline in Painted Buntings more generally, as well as how we might expand this methodology to combat illegal pet‐trade activity in this and other songbird species.
Testing hypotheses driving genetic structure in the cooperatively breeding Brown‐headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla
Authors: Han Kin‐Lan , Kimball Rebecca T. , Cox James A.
Published: June 2018

Habitat fragmentation has often been implicated in the decline of many species. For habitat specialists and/or sedentary species, loss of habitat can result in population isolation and lead to negative genetic effects. However, factors other than fragmentation can often be important and also need to be considered when assessing the genetic structure of a species. We genotyped individuals from 13 populations of the cooperatively breeding Brown‐headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla in Florida to test three alternative hypotheses regarding the effects that habitat fragmentation might have on genetic structure. A map of potential habitat developed from recent satellite imagery suggested that Brown‐headed Nuthatch populations in southern Florida occupied smaller and more isolated habitat patches (i.e. were more fragmented) than populations in northern Florida. We also genotyped individuals from a small, isolated Brown‐headed Nuthatch population on Grand Bahama Island. We found that populations associated with more fragmented habitat in southern Florida had lower allelic richness than populations in northern Florida (P = 0.02), although there were no differences in heterozygosity. Although pairwise estimates of FST were low overall, values among southern populations were generally higher than northern populations. Population assignment tests identified K = 3 clusters corresponding to a northern cluster, a southern cluster and a unique population in southeast Florida; using sampling localities as prior information revealed K = 7 clusters, with greater structure only among southern Florida populations. The Bahamas population showed moderate to high differentiation compared with Florida populations. Overall, our results suggest that fragmentation could affect gene flow in Brown‐headed Nuthatch populations and is likely to become more pronounced over time.
Correlation between flow cytometry and molecular findings in autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease: A cohort study from Oman
Authors: Al‐Riyami A. Z. , Al‐Zadjali S. , Al‐Mamari S. , Al‐Said B. , Al‐Qassabi J. , Al‐Tamemi S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an X‐linked (XL) or autosomal recessive (AR) primary immunodeficiency disease. Respiratory burst assessment by flow cytometry is a rapid test of granulocyte stimulation, and results predict the underlying genotype. This study aims to describe the immune‐phenotypic profile of patients with CGD diagnosed in our center and correlate that with underlying genetic mutations.

Methods

Immuno‐phenotypic and genetic data on all patients with CGD diagnosed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) were reviewed.

Results

A total of 32 patients were diagnosed with CGD using molecular studies. Genetically confirmed individuals included 1 patient with XL‐CGD (a large deletion involving the CYBB and XK genes resulting in a McLeod phenotype), 27 patients with AR‐CGD with a c.579G>A (p.Trp193X) mutation at the NCF1 gene, and 4 patients with AR‐CGD with a c.784G>A (p.Gly262Ser) mutation at the NCF1 gene. Flow cytometry and molecular results were available for comparison in 26 patients with AR‐CGD. The patients with AR‐CGD had a range of flow cytometry‐generated fluorescent patterns as follows: reduced neutrophil stimulation with a sharp peak (12/26), reduced neutrophil stimulation with a broad peak (11/26), and a complete lack of neutrophil stimulation (3/26). No consistent flow cytometry‐generated fluorescent pattern was observed in either of the 2 AR mutations identified in our patients.

Conclusion

Flow cytometry is a robust test of CGD diagnosis. However, results should be interpreted with caution when predicting the underlying probable genotype, and results need to be complemented with definitive molecular studies.
Navigating Peace and Security: Women and Social Capital in Iraq
Authors: Parry Jacqueline , Aymerich Olga
Published: June 2018

This article examines international, national and local interpretations of women's engagement in peace and security processes. In 2000, the international community formally recognized the importance of women's equal participation in maintaining and promoting peace and security via UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). National governments subsequently enacted National Action Plans to pursue the goals of UNSCR 1325, including one established in Iraq in 2014. Iraq's National Action Plan prioritizes the reform of legal and political institutions, and this article seeks to understand whether this approach resonates with Iraqi women. Based on fieldwork conducted in northern Diyala, it examines how Iraqi women perceive, access and exert influence over peace and security mechanisms, and how their approach compares with the strategies identified by the National Action Plan and UNSCR 1325.
Microwave sintering of complex shapes: From multiphysics simulation to improvements of process scalability
Authors: Manière Charles , Chan Shirley , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: June 2018

The microwave sintering homogeneity of large and complex shape specimens is analyzed. A new approach enabling the fabrication of complex shapes ceramics via 3D printing and microwave sintering is presented. The use of a dental microwave cavity is shown to enable a substantial level of densification of complex shape components while restricting the grain growth. The homogeneity of the processed samples during microwave sintering is studied by an electromagnetic‐thermal‐mechanical simulation. The realistic densification behavior, that phenomenologically takes into account the microwave effect, is included in the modeling framework. The simulation indicates the sharp correlation between the microwave field distribution in the cavity, the temperature profile, and the specimen's shape distortion.
“Having friends is like having marshmallows”: Perspectives of transition‐aged youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities on friendship
Authors: Hurd Claire , Evans Cara , Renwick Rebecca
Published: June 2018

Background

The literature emphasizes that friendships are essential to youths’ successful transition to and adjustment in adulthood. Few studies have explored the friendships of transition‐aged youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and even fewer include youths’ own perspectives. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of transition‐aged youths with IDD regarding their own experiences of friendship.

Method

A subset of video‐recorded data of 21 interviews with seven participants (20–24 years) was extracted from a larger study for secondary analysis. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by constructivist grounded theory methods.

Results

Three themes were revealed: meanings of friends and friendship, deepening self‐knowledge and negotiating in(ter)dependence.

Conclusions

The findings expand existing knowledge about friendships of transition‐aged youths with IDD. Findings can potentially inform development of new services or enhancement of existing services aimed at facilitating transition to adulthood for youths with IDD and point to key areas for future research.
An exploration of communication within active support for adults with high and low support needs
Authors: Iacono Teresa , Bould Emma , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Bigby Christine
Published: June 2018

Background

The aim was to explore the relationship between quality of active support and communication support for people in group homes with high and low support needs.

Methods

Data from 182 service users, 20–81 years (mean = 40), 89 with high support needs, were observed to have either good (n = 142) or poor (n = 40) communication support. Measures were of quality of active support, engagement and staff contact; field notes provided examples of good and poor communication supports.

Results

We found a relationship between the quality of communication support and active support. Receiving good communication was associated with higher levels of engagement. Field notes included some examples of appropriate communication supports, but limited use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Conclusions

Staff show limited use of appropriate communication with people having high support needs who require AAC. Strategies to improve quality of practice are discussed.