bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Related Allergic Rhinitis Prevalence Switch from Childhood to Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pinart Mariona , Keller Theresa , Reich Andreas , Fröhlich Matthias , Cabieses Báltica , Hohmann Cynthia , Postma Dirkje S. , Bousquet Jean , Antó Josep M. , Keil Thomas
Published: April 2017

Background: A sex-related switch in the prevalence of asthma from childhood (male predominance) to adulthood (female predominance) has been described, but for allergic rhinitis this remains unclear. We aimed to examine sex- and age-group-specific differences in allergic rhinitis prevalence by systematically evaluating studies from across the globe. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase for population-based cross-sectional studies was performed regardless of the language of publication. The search was restricted to the present millennium (2000 to June 2014). Study quality was defined by the sampling method, response rate, sample size, and data collection method. To assess sex differences in the prevalence of self- or parent-reported symptoms of rhinitis, calculated pooled estimates of the male-female ratio (MFR) were obtained using random-effects model meta-analyses due to heterogeneity. A meta-regression analysis was also performed. Results: Out of 6,539 publications identified, 67 cross-sectional population-based studies (291,726 males and 301,781 females) were included in our meta-analysis. In children (<11 years of age) significantly more boys than girls had rhinitis symptoms (MFR 1.21, 95% CI 1.17-1.25), whereas in adolescents (11 to <18 years of age) males were significantly less often affected than females (MFR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.95). No sex-specific prevalence difference was observed in adults (MFR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83-1.17). These findings were consistent in all continents except in Asia, where the male predominance remained beyond childhood. Conclusions: The male predominance of rhinitis prevalence in childhood changed towards a female predominance in adolescence across the globe, except in Asia. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these cross-sectional data and examine possible determinants and underlying mechanisms.
Allergens of Blomia tropicalis: An Overview of Recombinant Molecules
Authors: Santos da Silva Eduardo , Asam Claudia , Lackner Peter , Hofer Heidi , Wallner Michael , Silva Pinheiro Carina , Alcântara-Neves Neuza Maria , Ferreira Fatima
Published: April 2017

Allergic diseases are considered a major problem for healthcare systems in both developed and developing countries. House dust mites are well-known triggers of allergic manifestations. While the Dermatophagoides genus is widely distributed globally, Blomia tropicalis is the most prominent mite species in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Over the last decades, an increase in sensitization rates to B. tropicalis has been reported, leading to increased research efforts on Blomia allergens. In fact, 8 new allergens have been identified and characterized to different degrees. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments concerning the identification and production of recombinant Blomia allergens, as well as their structural and immunological characterization. Although considerable progress has been achieved, detailed molecule-based studies are still needed to better define the clinical relevance of Blomia allergens. Thus, the establishment of a well-standardized and fully characterized panel of allergens remains a challenge for the development of better diagnosis and therapy of allergic diseases induced by B. tropicalis.
Splenic Injury Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Richard , Huelsen Alexander , Saad Nivene , Hodgkinson Peter , Hourigan Luke F.
Published: April 2017

Splenic injury following endoscopy is a rare but potentially fatal complication. While this has been found to occur more frequently after colonoscopy, splenic injury following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains highly uncommon since its first reported case in 1989. Indeed, there have been only 19 such cases reported in the English, German, and Spanish literature collectively over the past 27 years. We report on a 59-year-old woman who developed a peri-splenic haematoma diagnosed on abdominal computed tomography the day following ERCP and stenting for Mirizzi syndrome. The patient was treated conservatively and made a full recovery. We reviewed all cases of post-ERCP splenic injuries reported to date and discuss the published opinions on the likely mechanism of injury, predisposing factors, presenting features, investigation, and treatment options. Ultimately, patient outcome relies on clinical suspicion of this rare complication following ERCP.
Climate and Allergic Sensitization to Airborne Allergens in the General Population: Data from the French Six Cities Study
Authors: Charpin Denis , Ramadour Myriam , Lavaud François , Raherison Chantal , Caillaud Denis , de Blay Frederic , Pauli Gabrielle , Annesi-Maesano Isabella
Published: April 2017

Background: The results of international epidemiological surveys show large geographical variations in skin test reactivity but do not provide a rationale for such variations. Objective: To assess the relationship between climate and allergic sensitization in schoolchildren. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed data from a multicenter, epidemiological survey that included 6,461 schoolchildren, aged 9-11 years, living in 6 French cities scattered around France. The protocol also included a battery of skin prick tests to common airborne allergens. The crude prevalence of sensitization to each allergen was estimated for each city and then adjusted for potential confounding factors. This analysis was repeated for monosensitization and for allergens grouped into 2 categories: indoor allergens, i.e., house dust mite (HDM), cat, and cockroach allergens, and outdoor allergens, i.e., birch pollen, grass pollen, and Alternaria. We also grouped cities according to their location on the coast, i.e., Marseille and Bordeaux, or inland, i.e., Créteil, Clermont-Ferrand, Reims, and Strasbourg. Results: A difference in prevalence of sensitization to each airborne allergen or allergens grouped into indoor and outdoor categories was found between cities, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Also, a higher prevalence of sensitization to HDM, cat dander, and, broadly speaking, indoor allergens, was found in children living on the coast than in those living inland, whereas they showed a lower prevalence of sensitization to birch pollen. Between-city differences in the prevalence of monosensitization were also statistically significant. Children living in coastal cities had a higher rate of monosensitization to indoor allergens and a lower prevalence of sensitization to birch pollen. The higher prevalence of allergic sensitization in children from coastal cities is most likely due to climatic conditions, such as proximity from sea and humidity. Differences in sensitization to birch allergens could be due to differential exposure to these pollen. Conclusion: These results indicate a role of environmental exposure in sensitization to perennial as well as seasonal allergens.
High Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Adolescents: Is There a Difference Depending on the NIH and Rotterdam Criteria?
Authors: Busiah Kanetee , Colmenares Ana , Bidet Maud , Tubiana-Rufi Nadia , Levy-Marchal Claire , Delcroix Christine , Jacquin Paul , Martin Delphine , Benadjaoud Lila , Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne , Laborde Kathleen , Robert Jean-Jacques , Samara-Boustani Dinane , Polak Michel
Published: April 2017

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is more frequently observed in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) adult women than in nondiabetic women. No such prevalence has yet been studied in adolescent girls with T1DM. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PCOS in adolescent girls with T1DM and to determine the clinical and hormonal features associated with the disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 53 adolescent girls (gynecological age >2 years) referred for routine evaluation for T1DM was conducted. We diagnosed PCOS using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Rotterdam criteria. Results: 26.4 and 47.9% of adolescents had PCOS according to NIH (NIH-PCOS) and Rotterdam (Rotterdam-PCOS) criteria. 66.7% of NIH-PCOS adolescents had a complete phenotype associated with hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea, and polycystic ovarian morphology, unlike only 33.3% of the Rotterdam-PCOS adolescents. A family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was more frequent in PCOS than in non-PCOS girls, whichever criteria were used. Late pubertal development and a T1DM diagnosis close to puberty were factors associated with NIH-PCOS. Conclusion: Adolescents with T1DM had a high prevalence of PCOS. More differences between PCOS and non-PCOS patients were found using the NIH criteria, suggesting that clinical characteristics might be more accurate for diagnosing PCOS in girls with T1DM. A family history of T2DM is associated with a high risk of PCOS.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Is a Marker of Fluid Overload in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chazot Charles , Rozes Margaux , Vo-Van Cyril , Deleaval Patrik , Hurot Jean-Marc , Lorriaux Christie , Mayor Brice , Zaoui Eric , Jean Guillaume
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted by cardiomyocytes under stretch condition. High blood levels are associated with decreased patient survival in heart failure patients and in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We report the monthly BNP change in the first months of HD therapy in incident patients and its relationship with fluid removal and cardiac history (CH). Methods: All patients starting HD therapy in our unit from May 2008 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Every month (M1 to M6), BNP was assessed before a midweek dialysis session. CH, monthly pre- and postdialysis blood pressure, and postdialysis body weight were collected. Results: A total of 236 patients were included in the analysis. The median BNP at HD start was 593 (175-1,433) pg/mL, with a significant difference between CH- and CH+ patients (291 vs. 731 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Mortality was significantly higher in patients in the higher BNP tertile. BNP decreased significantly between M1 and M2 and then plateaued. The BNP change between M1 and M2 and between M1 and M6 was significantly correlated with the initial fluid removal. Applying stepwise multiple regression, the BNP change between M1 and M2 was significantly and independently related to fluid removal. The BNP level at M6 was also related to patient survival. Conclusions: We confirm that in incident HD patients, BNP level is related to fluid excess and cardiac status. The BNP decrease in the first months of HD therapy is related to fluid excess correction. BNP appears as an important tool to evaluate hydration status correction after HD onset.
Association Between Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Calcification and Intraplaque Hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Ruolan , Chen Shuo , Liu Gaifen , Xue Yunjing , Zhao Xihai
Published: April 2017

Objective—

Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is associated with cardiovascular events. Calcification, which frequently accompanies IPH, may play a role in IPH occurrence. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between calcification characteristics and IPH in carotid plaques.

Approach and results—

One hundred seventeen patients with cerebrovascular symptoms and carotid plaques detected by ultrasound were recruited and underwent multicontrast magnetic resonance imaging. Advanced carotid plaques with composition measured by magnetic resonance imaging were included in the analysis. Carotid calcifications were divided into the following categories: surface, mixed, and deep calcification. They were also classified into single and multiple calcifications according to quantity. Logistic regression models utilizing generalized estimating equations were performed to evaluate the relationship between calcification and IPH. Of 117 subjects, 85 with 142 plaques were included in the final analysis, whereas 32 were excluded because of lack of plaque compositions. Of the 142 plaques, 40 (28.2%) had IPH. Plaques with IPH showed greater prevalence of calcification than those without (87.5% versus 55.9%;
P
=0.005). After adjusting for age, low-density lipoprotein, maximum wall thickness, and maximum soft plaque thickness, multiple calcifications (odd ratio, 10.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.3–30.4), surface calcification (odd ratio, 29.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.1–210.8), and mixed calcifications (odd ratio, 27.9; 95% confidence interval, 7.3–107.1) were found to be strongly associated with the presence of IPH (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Surface calcification and multiple calcifications in carotid atherosclerotic plaques are independently associated with the presence of IPH, suggesting that both quantity and location of calcification may play important roles in the occurrence of IPH. These findings may provide novel insights for understanding mechanisms of IPH.
Extracellular Cyclophilin A, Especially Acetylated, Causes Pulmonary Hypertension by Stimulating Endothelial Apoptosis, Redox Stress, and Inflammation
Authors: Xue Chao , Sowden Mark , Berk Bradford C.
Published: April 2017

Objective—

Oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Cyclophilin A (CypA) is secreted in response to oxidative stress and promotes inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of PAH. We evaluated the role of extracellular CypA in PAH and compared the effects of acetylated CypA (AcK-CypA, increased by oxidative stress) and CypA on EC dysfunction.

Approach and Results—

In transgenic mice that express high levels of CypA in EC specifically, a PAH phenotype was observed at 3 months including increased right ventricular systolic pressure, α-smooth muscle actin expression in small arterioles, and CD45-positive cells in the lungs. Mechanistic analysis using cultured mouse pulmonary microvascular EC and human pulmonary microvascular EC showed that extracellular CypA and AcK-CypA stimulated EC inflammatory signals: increased VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) and ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), phosphorylation of p65, and degradation of IkB. Extracellular CypA and AcK-CypA increased EC apoptosis measured by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling) staining, Apo-ONE assay, and caspase 3 cleavage. Oxidative stress stimulated CypA and AcK-CypA secretion, which further promoted EC oxidative stress. AcK-CypA, compared with CypA, stimulated greater increases in apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. MM284, a specific inhibitor of extracellular CypA, attenuated EC apoptosis induced by CypA and AcK-CypA.

Conclusions—

EC-derived CypA (especially AcK-CypA) causes PAH by a presumptive mechanism involving increased EC apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that inhibiting secreted extracellular CypA is a novel therapeutic approach for PAH.
Role of Biomarkers for the Prevention, Assessment, and Management of Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Chow Sheryl L. , Maisel Alan S. , Anand Inder , Bozkurt Biykem , de Boer Rudolf A. , Felker G. Michael , Fonarow Gregg C. , Greenberg Barry , Januzzi James L. , Kiernan Michael S. , Liu Peter P. , Wang Thomas J. , Yancy Clyde W. , Zile Michael R.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose:

Natriuretic peptides have led the way as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for the diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF). More recent evidence suggests that natriuretic peptides along with the next generation of biomarkers may provide added value to medical management, which could potentially lower risk of mortality and readmissions. The purpose of this scientific statement is to summarize the existing literature and to provide guidance for the utility of currently available biomarkers.

Methods:

The writing group used systematic literature reviews, published translational and clinical studies, clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion/statements to summarize existing evidence and to identify areas of inadequacy requiring future research. The panel reviewed the most relevant adult medical literature excluding routine laboratory tests using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science through December 2016. The document is organized and classified according to the American Heart Association to provide specific suggestions, considerations, or contemporary clinical practice recommendations.

Results:

A number of biomarkers associated with HF are well recognized, and measuring their concentrations in circulation can be a convenient and noninvasive approach to provide important information about disease severity and helps in the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of HF. These include natriuretic peptides, soluble suppressor of tumorgenicity 2, highly sensitive troponin, galectin-3, midregional proadrenomedullin, cystatin-C, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and others. There is a need to further evaluate existing and novel markers for guiding therapy and to summarize their data in a standardized format to improve communication among researchers and practitioners.

Conclusions:

HF is a complex syndrome involving diverse pathways and pathological processes that can manifest in circulation as biomarkers. A number of such biomarkers are now clinically available, and monitoring their concentrations in blood not only can provide the clinician information about the diagnosis and severity of HF but also can improve prognostication and treatment strategies.
Ischemic Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation at Warfarin Initiation
Authors: Tepper Ping G. , Liu Xianchen , Hamilton Melissa , Mardekian Jack , Petkun William , Tan Wilson , Singer Daniel E.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

Stroke risk may increase shortly after warfarin initiation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients. Because of the brief period and limited number of events, large samples are needed to study this effect. We compared 30-day rates of ischemic stroke between nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients initiating warfarin to nonwarfarin comparators using an insurance claims database.

Methods—

We identified nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients via 1 inpatient/2 outpatient diagnosis claims from the MarketScan database, January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2010. We studied patients initiating warfarin using prescription claims and 1:1 matched 22 669 initiators to comparators based on age, sex, diagnosis date, and warfarin propensity score. Follow-up began on initiation date; patients were censored at discontinuation/switch of therapy, disenrollment, or end of the study. The median follow-up was 415 days. Cox regression was used to study differences in ischemic stroke risks between warfarin initiators and comparators while controlling for important prognostic factors.

Results—

Warfarin initiators were generally similar to comparators in clinical features but had higher CHADS
2
scores (1.26 versus 1.19). The first 30-day ischemic stroke rate was higher among warfarin initiators than comparators (1.47%/y (27/1836) versus 0.98%/y (18/1837);
P
=0.18) but lower subsequently (0.81%/y [134/16 543] versus 1.09%/y [406/37 248];
P
=0.002). Multivariable regression confirmed a significant interaction between follow-up and warfarin use with the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for warfarin/comparator as 1.46 (0.80–2.65) in the first 30 days and 0.70 (0.57–0.85) afterward.

Conclusions—

Warfarin effect was qualitatively different in the first 30 days after initiation than subsequently. This is consistent with a modest increase in stroke risk occurring briefly after starting warfarin.
Epirrita pulchraria (Taylor, 1907) transferred to Malacodea, with notes on the phylogeny and ecology of the tribe Operophterini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)
Authors: TRUUVERK ANDRO , ÕUNAP ERKI , TAMMARU TOOMAS
Published: April 2017

The Nearctic Epirrita pulchraria (Taylor, 1907) was revealed as a sister taxon of the Palaearctic Malacodea regelaria Tengström,1869 in a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Operophterini. DNA sequence variation in one mitochondrial (COI) and eight nuclear (28S, EF-1α, WGL, GAPDH, RPS5, IDH, MDH, CAD) gene fragments was used in the analysis. Bayesian inference resulted in a well-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis. According to the recovered phylogeny a new combination is proposed: Rachela pulchraria Taylor, 1907 is transferred from Epirrita Hübner, 1808 to Malacodea Tengström, 1869 as Malacodea pulchraria (Taylor, 1907) comb. nov. Larvae of both M. pulchraria and M. regelaria feed on coniferous trees, which distinguishes them from other members of the tribe. Close relatedness of M. pulchraria and M. regelaria is also supported by our study of male genital morphology. Ambiguous phylogenetic affinities of Epirrita viridipurpurescens (Prout, 1937) are discussed.
Review of the central African leaf chafer genus Entypophana Moser, 1913 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Schizonychini)
Authors: SEHNAL RICHARD
Published: April 2017

The genus Entypophana Moser, 1913 is revised. Entypophana njiapanda new species from Tanzania is described, E. apicata Moser, 1913 (type species, by present designation), E. biapicata Moser, 1913, E. hulstaerti Burgeon, 1946, E. lujai Moser, 1917 and E. maynei Burgeon, 1946, are redescribed and lectotypes for E. biapicata, E. hulstaerti, E. lujai and E. maynei are designated. An identification key is provided and photographs illustrate external morphology and male genitalia. A distribution map of the currently known species of Entypophana is provided.
First record of spiral fovea amphidialis in Acantholaimus (Chromadoridae: Nematoda), with a description of a new species from shallow sediments of the South Atlantic and an emended diagnosis of the genus
Authors: MANOEL ALEX , SILVA MARIA CRISTINA DA , ESTEVES ANDRÉ M.
Published: April 2017

A new species of the genus Acantholaimus is described from the South Atlantic, in the Potiguar Basin off the continental shelf of northeast Brazil. Acantholaimus marliae sp. n. is characterized by the long body; numerous somatic setae arranged in four sublateral longitudinal rows; buccal cavity with five solid teeth (four subventral and one dorsal), with the largest tooth dorsally located and the most protuberant between the subventral teeth shaped similarly to a "bottle opener"; and spiral fovea amphidialis. Acantholaimus marliae sp. n. is the only species described for the genus that has a spiral fovea amphidialis. This is the fifth species of Acantholaimus described from shallow water. An emended diagnosis of the genus is provided.
Significant Improvements in Pyranometer Nighttime Offsets Using High-Flow DC Ventilation
Authors: Michalsky Joseph J. , Kutchenreiter Mark , Long Charles N.
Published: April 2017

Ventilators are used to keep the domes of pyranometers clean and dry, but they affect the nighttime offset as well. This paper examines different ventilation strategies. For the several commercial single-black-detector pyranometers with ventilators examined here, high-flow-rate [50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and higher] 12-VDC (where VDC refers to voltage direct current) fans lower the offsets, lower the scatter, and improve the predictability of the offsets during the night compared with lower-flow-rate (35 CFM) 120-VAC (where VAC refers to voltage alternating current) fans operated in the same ventilator housings. Black-and-white pyranometers sometimes show improvement with DC ventilation, but in some cases DC ventilation makes the offsets slightly worse. Since the offsets for these black-and-white pyranometers are always small, usually no more than 1 W m−2, whether AC or DC ventilated, changing their ventilation to higher CFM DC ventilation is not imperative. Future work should include all major manufacturers of pyranometers and unventilated and ventilated pyranometers. An important outcome of future research will be to clarify under what circumstances nighttime data can be used to predict daytime offsets.
Numerical Simulations of the 2013 Alberta Flood: Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and the Role of Orography
Authors: Milrad Shawn M. , Lombardo Kelly , Atallah Eyad H. , Gyakum John R.
Published: April 2017

The 19–21 June 2013 Alberta flood was the second costliest ($6 billion CAD) natural disaster in Canadian history, trailing only the 2016 Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, wildfires. One of the primary drivers was an extreme rainfall event that resulted in 75–150 mm of precipitation in the foothills west of Calgary, Canada. Here, the mesoscale dynamics and thermodynamics that contributed to the extreme rainfall event are elucidated through high-resolution numerical model simulations. In addition, terrain reduction model sensitivity experiments using Gaussian smoothing techniques quantify the importance of orography in producing the extreme rainfall event. It is suggested that the extreme rainfall event was initially characterized by the formation of a surface cyclone on the eastern side of the Canadian Rockies due to quasigeostrophic (QG) mechanisms. Orographic processes and diabatic heating feedbacks maintained the surface cyclone throughout the event, extending the duration of both easterly upslope flow and QG forcing for ascent in the flood region. The long-duration ascent and associated condensational heat release in the flood region vertically redistributed potential vorticity, anchoring and further extending the duration of the surface cyclone, upslope flow, and the rainfall. Although the magnitudes of ascent and precipitation were smaller in 10% and 25% reduced terrain simulations, only a terrain reduction of greater than 25% drastically altered the location and magnitude of the heaviest precipitation and the associated physical mechanisms.
Conceptual and Empirical Issues for Alternative Student Loan Designs: The Significance of Loan Repayment Burdens for the United States
Authors: Chapman Bruce , Dearden Lorraine
Published: April 2017

In this article, we compare the two main types of student loans used to finance postsecondary education: mortgage-type loans, which are repaid over a set period of time and mainly used in the United States; and income-contingent loans, which are repaid depending on students’ future income and used in Australia and England. We argue that the major concern with mortgage-type loans is the repayment burden that falls on students. Repayment burden—the proportion of a debtor’s income required to repay loans—is fundamental to the assessment of student loan systems because it affects the probability of students defaulting on loan repayment, and because it bears on debtors’ consumption and standard of living. We show that Stafford loans imply extremely difficult financial circumstances for a minority of U.S. loan recipients, and that income-contingent loans can solve those problems. The financial benefits of income-contingent loans are illustrated through a hypothetical student loan experience.
Indigenising Eurocentric sociology: The ‘captive mind’ and five decades of sociology in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuzuruigbo Ifeanyi
Published: April 2017

Over the years, the social sciences and related disciplines in postcolonial societies have agitated against the dominant Eurocentric mode of knowledge production. In this case, the grouse against Eurocentric knowledge production is that it undermines attempts at indigenising Eurocentric sociology in Nigeria. This article is an engagement with efforts to evolve a Nigerian sociology. It draws upon the concept of the captive mind, developed by Syed Hussein Alatas, a Southeast Asian intellectual, to critically explore the indigenisation of sociology in Nigeria. In doing so, the article explores the development and entrenchment of Eurocentric sociology as well as attempts at indigenising it over five decades of the production of sociological knowledge in Nigerian universities. It portrays the ways in which the ‘captive’ Nigerian sociologists, students of sociology and the antagonistic material conditions of producing and propagating knowledge connive against the indigenisation of sociology in Nigeria.
Betwixt and between: Role conflict, role ambiguity and role definition in project-based dual-leadership structures
Authors: Ebbers Joris J , Wijnberg Nachoem M
Published: April 2017

Project-based organizations in the film industry usually have a dual-leadership structure, based on a division of tasks between the dual leaders – the director and the producer – in which the former is predominantly responsible for the artistic and the latter for the commercial aspects of the film. These organizations also have a role hierarchically below and between the dual leaders: the 1st assistant director. This organizational constellation is likely to lead to role conflict and role ambiguity experienced by the person occupying that particular role. Although prior studies found negative effects of role conflict and role ambiguity, this study shows they can also have beneficial effects because they create space for defining the role expansively that, in turn, can be facilitated by the dual leaders defining their own roles more narrowly. In a more general sense, this study also shows the usefulness of analyzing the antecedents and consequences of roles, role definition, and role crafting in connection to the behavior of occupants of adjacent roles.
Precarious Employment and Quality of Employment in Relation to Health and Well-being in Europe
Authors: Julià Mireia , Vanroelen Christophe , Bosmans Kim , Van Aerden Karen , Benach Joan
Published: April 2017

This article presents an overview of the recent work on precarious employment and employment quality in relation to workers’ health and well-being. More specifically, the article mainly reviews the work performed in the E.U. 7th Framework project, SOPHIE. First, we present our overarching conceptual framework. Then, we provide a compiled overview of the evidence on the sociodemographic and European cross-country distribution of employment quality and employment precariousness. Subsequently, we provide the current evidence regarding the relations with health and broader worker well-being indicators. A final section summarizes current insights on the pathways relating precarious employment and health and well-being. The article concludes with a plea for further data collection and research into the longitudinal effects of employment precariousness among emerging groups of workers. Based on the evidence compiled in this article, policymakers should be convinced of the harmful health and well-being effects of employment precariousness and (further) labor market flexibilization.
The Effect of Family Cohesion and Life Satisfaction During Adolescence on Later Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Lin Wen-Hsu , Yi Chin-Chun
Published: April 2017

Family factors and adolescent life satisfaction have profound effects on later behavior. The present study examined the effects of family cohesion and life satisfaction on internalizing (depression and self-esteem) and externalizing (deviance) outcomes among adolescents. Moreover, this study also viewed internalizing outcomes as conduits that channeled the effects of family cohesion and life satisfaction on later adolescent deviance. Using the Taiwan Youth Project (TYP), results indicated that the family cohesion and life satisfaction of Taiwanese adolescents declined with time, and this, in turn, led to negative life outcomes, such as higher levels of depression and deviance, and lower levels of self-esteem. In addition to the direct relationship between family cohesion and adolescent outcomes, family cohesion also had indirect effects on self-esteem and depression through change in life satisfaction. Also, initial life satisfaction is indirectly related to later deviance through change in family cohesion. Limitations and implications are also discussed.
Logos, Industrial Palace, and Urania: The Urban Forms of Knowledge in Budapest, 1873-1914
Authors: Gantner Eszter
Published: April 2017

The article focuses on the interaction of knowledge transfer and urbanization in Central Europe, 1880-1914. This happens through analyzing three cases of urban forms of knowledge production and communication: the Industry palace, the scientific theater “Urania,” and the philosophical journal “Logos” in Budapest between 1873 and 1914. The article formulates the hypothesis, that these various “knowledge formats” of scientific activities had been products of the urban development of Budapest. The application of the concept of “knowledge formats” enables to analyze and capture the complex interaction between city, knowledge, and social agents.
Crisis and Redemption: The History of American Police Reform since World War II
Authors: Agee Christopher Lowen
Published: April 2017

This introduction to the special section on police and cities surveys the repeated rounds of exposure, disruption, and redemption urban American police departments have undergone since World War II. Rather than telling the history of modern law enforcement as a story of uninterrupted growth, this article emphasizes the crises in police legitimacy that punctuated the postwar period. New citizenship models, new social practices, and new understandings of democratic governance repeatedly forced urban police to re-authorize their power. Moreover, these challenges to police legitimacy sparked and steered much of the postwar expansion of police power. As a result of these past crises, modern police now root their authority in a racialized harm principle and in the seemingly contradictory ideologies of police professionalization and community partnership. This introduction concludes with a discussion of the special section’s essays, highlighting how each contributor uses the police to expand our understanding of urban governance. Collectively, the essays explore the vast range of urban actors—including community activists, academics, black mayors, liberal police chiefs, and rank-and-file officers—who attempted to use disruptions in police authority to reshape postwar law enforcement. The essays also consider different types of cities—including deindustrializing metropolises, small cities, and cities in America’s territories—to help us more accurately identify national trends. Together, the essays in this special section make clear the central role urban police have played in the histories of American citizenship and democracy.
Estimation of elevator passenger traffic based on the most likely elevator trip origin-destination matrices
Authors: Malapert Arnaud , Kuusinen Juha-Matti
Published: April 2017

We present a constraint programming formulation for the elevator trip origin-destination matrix estimation problem using a lexicographic bi-criteria optimization method where least squares minimization is applied to the measured counts and the minimum information or the maximum entropy approach to the whole matrix. An elevator trip consists of successive stops in one direction of travel with passengers inside the elevator. It can be defined as a directed network, where the nodes correspond to the stops on the trip and the arcs to the possible origins and destinations of the passengers. The goal is to estimate the most likely counts of passengers for the origin-destination pairs of every elevator trip occurring in a building that are consistent with the measured boarding and alighting counts and any prior information about the trip matrix. These counts are used to make passenger traffic forecasts which, in turn, are used in elevator dispatching to reduce uncertainties related to future passengers and therefore to improve passenger service level. Artificial test data was obtained by simulations of lunch hour traffic in a typical multi-story office building. This resulted in complex problem instances that enable robust performance and quality testing. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms previous alternatives in terms of quality, and can take an advantage of prior information. In addition, the proposed approach satisfies real time elevator group control requirements for estimating elevator trip origin-destination matrices.

Practical application: The elevator trip origin-destination matrix estimation problem is important since it makes it possible to obtain complete information and statistics about the elevator passenger traffic. The statistics can be used to model future passengers which, when taken into account in the elevator group control, helps to improve passenger service level. Simulation experiments show that most of the problems occurring in reality can be solved within a reasonable time considering a real application, and the solving algorithms are relatively easy to implement using available constraint programming tools. Hence, this work is undoubtedly of interest to the building and elevator industry.
Enriching a thesaurus as a better question-answering tool and information retrieval aid
Authors: Wu Yejun
Published: April 2017

This article reports the method of enriching a thesaurus by differentiating the related term relationship with specific semantic relations and expanding related terms. It also tests the usefulness of an enriched thesaurus as a better question-answering tool and information retrieval aid based on users’ perceptions. A small portion of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) thesaurus was enriched, and two enriched mini-thesauri were compiled with different levels of detail. A total of 22 participants were recruited to test the usefulness of the three mini-thesauri for facilitating question-answering and information retrieval within the ERIC Abstracts of the EBSCOHost Database and on the Web using Google. The experimental results suggest that the enriched thesauri are better question-answering tools and information retrieval aids than the original thesaurus. The findings imply that thesauri enriched with semantic relations are useful in question-answering and modern information retrieval, although the role of the traditional thesaurus in modern information retrieval has diminished.
Emotion Language in Trauma Narratives Is Associated With Better Psychological Adjustment Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Wardecker Britney M. , Edelstein Robin S. , Quas Jodi A. , Cordón Ingrid M. , Goodman Gail S.
Published: April 2017

Traumatized individuals are often encouraged to confront their experiences by talking or writing about them. However, survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) might find it especially difficult to process abuse experiences, particularly when the abuse is more severe. The current study examined whether CSA survivors who use emotion language when describing their abuse experiences exhibit better mental health. We analyzed the trauma narratives of 55 adults who, as children, were part of a larger study of the long-term emotional effects of criminal prosecutions on CSA survivors. Abuse narratives were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program. We examined whether positive and negative emotion language in participants’ abuse narratives were associated with self- and caregiver-reported mental health symptoms and whether these associations differed by abuse severity. As hypothesized, participants who used more positive and negative emotion language had better psychological outcomes, especially when the abuse was more severe.
Reexamining the Use of Tentative Language in Emails: The Effects of Gender Salience and Gender Typicality
Authors: Ma Rong , Seate Anita Atwell
Published: April 2017

Drawing on self-categorization theory, the current study examines the effects of gender salience and interlocutor gender typicality on men and women’s use of tentative language in emails. We conducted an experiment manipulating identity salience using gender-stereotypic conversation topics, and typicality using biographies of the fictitious female interlocutor. The results were consistent with self-categorization theory and previous research on gender-based language use: Men were more tentative when discussing a conversation topic in which their gender group was not considered experts. More important, interlocutor gender typicality influenced participants’ tentative language, such that when the interlocutor was a typical woman, men and women became more tentative discussing a conversation topic in which they were not considered experts. This study has implications for future research on the contextual factors that may influence the use of language in both intragroup and intergroup communication.
Multilingualism and Out-Group Acceptance: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive Flexibility and Deprovincialization
Authors: Mepham Kieran Douglas , Martinovic Borja
Published: April 2017

In this research, we systematically study multilingualism as a predictor of acceptance of ethnic out-groups. It is argued that people who speak more languages are more cognitively flexible, that is, they have an enhanced flexibility in understanding and representing information. Higher cognitive flexibility is in turn expected to be related to higher deprovincialization: a reevaluation of one’s ethnocentric worldview. Deprovincialization is then expected to result in more openness toward ethnic out-groups, evidenced by a more inclusive notion of the national identity and reduced out-group dislike. Cross-sectional survey data among a representative sample of native Dutch participants from the Netherlands ( N = 792) provide convincing support for these hypotheses and show that multilingualism is an important yet understudied factor in social–psychological research on prejudice reduction.
What You Say Is What You Get: How Self-Disclosure in Support Seeking Affects Language Use in Support Provision in Online Support Forums
Authors: Pan Wenjing , Feng Bo , Skye Wingate V.
Published: April 2017

This experimental study examined how depth of self-disclosure (baseline, peripheral, core) in support-seeking posts influenced forum viewers’ interaction involvement and reciprocal self-disclosure in their responses. A series of competing hypotheses derived from several theoretical frameworks were tested. Results obtained from computerized text analyses showed that self-concept self-disclosure was associated with higher levels of interaction involvement and reciprocal self-disclosure in viewers’ response messages. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Framing diabetes public health information during Ramadan – a newspaper content analysis
Authors: Wilbur Kerry , Berzou Souad , Meeds Robert
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate health-related messages in printed media pertaining to diabetes care in Qatar during Ramadan.

Methods

Qatar national newspapers (Arabic and/or English) published 6 weeks prior to and 4 weeks during Ramadan 2012 were reviewed. Health-related content was identified and characterized according to four different categories including presence of messages pertaining to both diabetes and Ramadan. Articles describing diabetes and Ramadan combined were further evaluated according to specific features of prominence (surrogates for perceived reader importance). Newspapers were grouped by language, and volume and content of coverage were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 1 467 newspaper issues published during the 2012 review period (781 in Arabic and 686 in English) were analysed. Health-related articles appeared consistently throughout the study period, but few were specifically diabetes-related (66/1095 [6%] Arabic articles versus 34/1250 [2.7%] English articles; P = 0.008). Only 34/1095 (3.1%) Arabic and 23/1 250 (1.8%) English ( P = 0.05) articles pertaining specifically to diabetes management during Ramadan were published. Twenty/34 (59%, Arabic) and 6/23 (26%, English) were published in high prominence positions.

Conclusions

Opportunity exists to augment the relatively low coverage of diabetes health-related messages in print media during Ramadan.
Sevoflurane at 1.0 MAC together with remifentanil and propofol produces clinically acceptable intubation conditions at the vocal cords: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Ovari Attila , Bicker Ilona , Machmueller Susann , Schuldt Tobias , Sauer Martin , Soltesz Stefan , Noeldge-Schomburg Gabriele , Mlynski Robert , Mencke Thomas
Published: April 2017

Objective

The overall intubation conditions after tracheal intubation with remifentanil, propofol, and sevoflurane at 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) are worse than with rocuronium at 0.45 mg/kg. Therefore, we compared the intubation conditions and laryngeal morbidity (vocal cord injuries, hoarseness, and sore throat) with sevoflurane at 1.2 and 1.4 MAC versus 1.0 MAC.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial, 90 patients were randomized to 3 groups: the sevoflurane 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 MAC groups. At 3 min, tracheal intubation was performed and the patients’ intubation conditions were assessed. The vocal cords were examined for injury by videolaryngoscopy. Additionally, the incidence and severity of laryngeal morbidity were compared between women and men.

Results

Acceptable intubation conditions were seen in 72% of the patients without significant differences between the groups. Overall, vocal cord injuries (oedema) occurred in three (4%) patients. Women reported sore throat more often than men (51% vs. 21%, respectively).

Conclusions

Intubation conditions were not improved with higher sevoflurane concentrations. The incidence and severity of sore throat were greater in women than men. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov: NCT 01896245
Reference values for B-cell surface markers and co-receptors associated with primary immune deficiencies in healthy Turkish children
Authors: Azarsiz Elif , Karaca Neslihan Edeer , Aksu Guzide , Kutukculer Necil
Published: April 2017

In order to evaluate B-lymphocyte subsets of patients with primary immunodeficiencies, the normal values for national healthy children have to be used as a reference. Recently, B-cell co-receptor markers (CD19, CD21, and CD81) and CD20, CD22, and CD27 deficiencies have been reported in relation with different primary immunodeficiency diseases. The objective of this study was to establish national reference values for B-lymphocyte co-receptors and some surface markers, CD20, CD22, CD27, as well as classic lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of healthy children. A total of 90 healthy children were included in this study. Complete blood counts were performed and cells with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD27, and CD81 surface markers were simultaneously detected by flow cytometry. The children were evaluated in three age subgroups, 0–1, 1–6, and >6 years, and minimum, maximum, mean, mean minus standard deviation, and 2.5–97.5 percentile values were all determined. By establishing reliable reference ranges for these surface markers, we hoped to help identifying and classifying some primary immunodeficiency patients, especially those defined as unclassified hypogammaglobulinemia and those without definite diagnosis.