bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Standing Conference of Eastern, Central, and Southern African Library Associations (SCECSAL) XXIII 2018: lessons learned
Authors: Alabi Adefunke O.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper reports on highpoints of some of what emerged at the XXIII Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library Associations (SCECSAL) conference held in Entebbe, Uganda. It presents narratives that evolved from selected presentations from over 40 papers scheduled for presentation at the conference and experiences of librarians working with people in different libraries within or outside the SCECSAL region in line with the theme of the conference. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain lessons learned by delegates at the conference, session delegates found most memorable, number of times respondents have been to SCECSAL and intent to attend the SCECSAL conference again.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents viewpoints from the conference and adopts a quantitative approach to ascertain specific lessons learned by delegates. The survey method was used to obtain data from library and information services (LIS) professionals who attended the conference. The population for the study was drawn from delegates met by the author at the conference. An online questionnaire created with the SurveyMonkey software was used for data collection. In total, 60 delegates were invited to voluntarily participate in the survey. A nine-item questionnaire was emailed to respondents. Of all, 27 people responded within the time limit for the study, giving a total response rate of 45 per cent.

Findings

Findings revealed that over half of the respondents were attending SCECSAL for the first time. Respondents indicated that the sessions that were the most memorable were Inclusive Library and Information Services for National Development; SDGs and Library and Information Services in the SCECSAL region; and Indigenous knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage. LIS professionals who participated at the conference dispersed with the following lessons among others: there is need for inclusive LIS and domestication the Marrakesh Treaty. Another lesson is that librarians have a major role to play in the attainment of the United Nations 2030 agenda on sustainable developmental goals (SDGs).

Originality/value

With SCECSAL, LIS professionals in southern, eastern and central Africa are increasingly gaining access to information, exchange of ideas, skills and collaboration in the region. However, the future of the LIS sector depends on the determination by delegates to put into practice all the lessons that have been learned so as to meet the needs of the community where they find themselves. The XXIII SCECSAL has exposed LIS professionals in the region and beyond to services and trends that should be embraced in the SCECSAL region and beyond. This paper implies that effort put into organising the SCECSAL conference is worthwhile.
Board social capital reduces implied cost of capital for private companies but not of state-owned companies
Authors: Goncalves Alex Ferreira , Rossoni Luciano , Mendes-Da-Silva Wesley
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the type of ownership and control moderates the effect of the board social capital on the implied cost of capital. To do so, the authors analyzed the effect of the board social capital by the relational resources present in its direct and heterogenous ties, considering the predictions of analysts about the implied cost of capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The data panel comprised 137 companies listed on the Brazilian stock exchange between the years of 2002 and 2015, generating a total of 535 observations. The authors check the robustness of the results through instrumental variables and systems of equations, as well as compete for the effect of board social capital both by the board and ownership structures.

Findings

Results show that the board relational resources, both in direct and heterogeneous ties, significantly reduce the implied cost of capital for private companies, but not for state-owned companies. Board social capital reduces the cost of capital even when the results compete with the board structure and concentration of ownership, being able to mitigate the discount in the cost of capital by the presence of dominant shareholders.

Originality/value

This study uses a more theoretically and empirically comprehensive measure of board social capital than the majority of studies that use only network position indicators. So, contrasting the effect of this measure on the implied cost of capital between private and state-owned companies, the authors also demonstrate that the board social capital can mitigate the discount by ownership concentration on the implied cost of capital.
A dam tale
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Andreaus Michele
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In 1950, the Aluminum Company of Canada (Alcan) was given a perpetual water license for a large section of Northern British Columbia, Canada. The benefit to the original owner of the water rights, the Province of British Columbia, was economic and population growth. The purpose of this paper is to follow the contestation over these rights from 1948 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

An institutional logics perspective was taken to analyze the main actors and how their relative power (dominant versus fringe) changed in the institutional field. Archival data and selected interviews were mapped to institutional logics across three time periods.

Findings

In the inter-temporal setting, many of the actors that were fringe in 1950 became more dominant by 2016. For example, the local indigenous peoples, the Cheslatta Carrier First Nation, were flooded off their land to make way for Alcan’s dam. They ended up as very powerful players in the institutional field. The perpetual rights given to Alcan made it a dominant actor across all time periods, despite changes in the logics of the institutional field.

Research limitations/implications

A single case was studied; other comparative settings should be explored to contrast and compare. The data were primarily archival, supplemented by only three interviews of those related to the case study. This case study is also one where water rights were privatized in perpetuity, which may not be the case in other settings.

Practical implications

Current governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should use this case to understand the long-term effects of resource policy decisions.

Social implications

The building of large dams has been, and continues to be, used worldwide to provide power to create economic growth. Our setting provides insight into the long-term societal outcomes of using water rights in this way.

Originality/value

This is an original use of institutional logics around a natural resource-based institutional field. Using institutional logics in a multi-period setting, focusing on the power relations of the key actors, and how they can be constrained by historical forces, provides a contribution to the literature.
Characterisation of yoghurt enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids by using walnut slurry
Authors: İlyasoğlu Huri , Yilmaz Fırat
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, chemical, rheological, sensorial and microbiological properties of yoghurt enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The PUFA‐enriched yoghurt was prepared with walnut slurry (10%−50%) and skimmed milk (50%−90%). Compared with the control yoghurt, it contained a lower content of protein, potassium, sodium and phosphorus, and a higher content of fat, iron, magnesium and zinc. Moreover, it exhibited a lower syneresis value and a higher water‐holding capacity value. Its fat was rich in omega fatty acids, mainly linoleic and linolenic acids. These research findings revealed that walnut slurry could be used in yoghurt manufacture to develop fermented milk products as functional foods, especially when enriched with omega fatty acids.
Comparison of Catalytic and Immunological Amylase Tests for Identifying of Saliva from Degraded Samples
Authors: Ohta Jun , Noda Nanaka , Sakurada Koichi
Published: October 2018

The stability of salivary α‐amylase is a critical factor in both catalytic and immunological method‐based forensic saliva identification. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of catalytic and immunological tests on degraded saliva samples. Degraded saliva stains were prepared by microbial decomposition using humid soil. Salivary α‐amylase activity was catalytically detected both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Phadebas® amylase test. As immunological methods, we conducted qualitative and quantitative tests using the RSID™‐saliva test and ELISA, respectively. Salivary α‐amylase activity of degraded samples (incubated at 37°C for 12 h) was significantly lower than that of controls in the quantitative tests. All the degraded samples obtained by the humid soil produced negative results in the Phadebas® tests, but showed positive results in the RSID™‐saliva test and ELISA. These results suggest that immunological tests are effective for testing degraded saliva samples that have lost their enzymatic activity.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid food frequency questionnaire validation in people with end stage renal disease on dialysis
Authors: Roach Lauren A. , Russell Kenneth G. , Lambert Kelly , Holt Jane L. , Meyer Barbara J.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To validate the polyunsaturated food frequency questionnaire (PUFA FFQ) and test for reproducibility in people with end stage renal disease on dialysis treatment.

Methods

Participants (n = 32) completed the PUFA FFQ and three 24‐hour recalls. Erythrocyte samples (n = 29) were used for erythrocyte fatty acid analysis. The triangular relationship between the PUFA FFQ, 24‐hour recalls and the biomarker was assessed using the method of triads. Agreement between the two dietary methods was also assessed using Bland–Altman plots and classification by quintiles. Reproducibility was tested on a subset of the group (n = 8).

Results

The PUFA FFQ was a valid measure of all PUFA except for docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Strong validity coefficients were found for n‐3 long‐chain PUFA (LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of 0.914 (95% CI: 0.665, 0.997) and 0.889 (95% CI: 0.706, 0.994), respectively. In the Bland–Altman plots 91–100% of observations fell between the limits of agreement for all PUFA. There were significant correlations between the initial FFQ and the repeat FFQ for all PUFA except DPA and AA.

Conclusions

The PUFA FFQ is a valid tool for assessing PUFA intake in people with end stage renal disease.
Moderation of a foodservice assessment artefact in nutrition and dietetics programs
Authors: Porter Judi , Beck Eleanor , Gallegos Danielle , Palermo Claire , Walton Karen , Yaxley Alison , Volders Evelyn , Wray Amanda , Hannan‐Jones Mary
Published: October 2018

Aim

Foodservice is a key component of dietetics education and practice internationally yet benchmarks for competency are limited. This study sought to review and moderate an assessment artefact of foodservice work integrated learning (WIL) to develop a shared understanding of one tool which may be used in a suite of evidence to demonstrate competence.

Methods

The foodservice curricula and assessment artefacts were described for the foodservice program at each of four participating universities. An assessment artefact from WIL, the report, was identified as an indicator of foodservice competence common to each program. Each university provided four purposively sampled WIL reports, assessed in duplicate by two academics from other participating universities using the corresponding university assessment rubric. Collated assessment results, along with the original assessment, were presented back to assessors. A semi‐structured group discussion explored variations in assessment results, factors influencing decisions, and potential changes needed for assessment documentation.

Results

There was variation in assessment outcomes between independent assessors. In some instances assessors did not consistently deliver the same assessment outcome, nor rank students in sequential order of performance. This variation was less where an absolute ranking of satisfactory/unsatisfactory was applied. The assessor discussion revealed three key concepts: importance of understanding the project scope; challenges which influence assessment decision making; importance of understanding the broader program of assessment.

Conclusions

Assessment inconsistencies emphasise the importance of multiple assessors and assessment artefacts across a programmatic assessment model, and the need for a clear understanding of competence in nutrition and dietetics.
Anti‐tumor necrosis factor biosimilars and intended copies in rheumatology: Perspective from the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Rath Prasan Deep , Chen Der‐Yuan , Gu Jieruo , Lee Vivian W. Y. , Al Ani Nizar Abdulateef , Shirazy Khalid , Llamado Lyndon
Published: October 2018

Although anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents have greatly improved the management of rheumatic diseases, their cost limits access to many patients throughout the world. As a result, patients and clinicians have turned to biosimilars to provide similar efficacy at a lower cost. Many of the regulatory guidelines in the Asia Pacific region are largely based on those of the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization; however, there are variations between countries. Additionally, in some countries, intended copies are available that were approved prior to the development of guidelines and have not fulfilled the requirements of a biosimilar. We review the various regulatory requirements for biosimilars in the Asia Pacific region, the anti‐TNF biosimilars and intended copies approved in the region, and whether clinical data are available for these agents. We discuss concerns about the need for additional regulations and education, and we provide recommendations for a multidisciplinary pharmacovigilance approach that closely monitors the safety of biosimilar use.
2018 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference: A Workforce Development Research Agenda for Pediatric Care in the Emergency Department
Authors: Merritt Chris , Dietrich Ann M. , Bogie Amanda L. , Wu Fred , Khanna Kajal , Ballasiotes Mary Kay , Gerardi Michael , Ishimine Paul T. , Denninghoff Kurt R. , Saidinejad Mohsen
Published: October 2018

Each year, more than 30 million children visit U.S. emergency departments (EDs). Although the number of pediatric emergency medicine specialists continues to rise, the vast majority of children are cared for in general EDs outside of children's hospitals. The diverse workforce of care providers for children must possess the knowledge, experience, skills, and systemic support necessary to deliver excellent pediatric emergency care. There is a crucial need to understand the factors that drive the professional development and support systems of this diverse workforce. Through the iterative process culminating with the 2018 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference, we have identified five key research themes and prioritized a specific research agenda. These themes represent critical gaps in our understanding of the development and maintenance of the pediatric emergency care workforce and allow for a prioritization of future research efforts. Only by more fully understanding the gaps in workforce needs, and the necessary steps to address these gaps, can outcomes be optimized for children in need of emergency care.
Impacts of fisheries on elasmobranch reproduction: high rates of abortion and subsequent maternal mortality in the shortnose guitarfish
Authors: Wosnick N. , Awruch C. A. , Adams K. R. , Gutierre S. M. M. , Bornatowski H. , Prado A. C. , Freire C. A.
Published: October 2018

The fate of bycatch species released back into the water is crucial to estimate population status and consequent decisions to implement adequate management measurements for elasmobranchs. The shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris, is an endemic species of the Southwest Atlantic. It is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ both in the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Brazilian red lists. Although this species displays high tolerance to capture and transportation by fishers from the capture site to the fish market, a significant reduction in survival rates is observed during the reproductive period. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine post‐capture and post‐commercial transportation consequences in pregnant females obtained as bycatch from artisanal fisheries in Southern Brazil. Results showed high abortion rates and reduced maternal survival after abortion, with all abortions occurring within 28 h of monitoring in laboratory. Stress plasma markers were also evaluated, to determine the physiological consequences of capture‐induced parturition to pregnant females. Results showed alteration in all markers measured (plasma urea, pH, lactate, phosphorus, and potassium) with values for dead pregnant females being different from non‐pregnant females and those which survived capture and subsequent abortions. The mortality caused by fisheries bycatch may prove difficult to manage, with immediate release and specific handling protocols for pregnant females implemented through environmental education environmental education and fishermen training programs, potential options to maintain adequate maternal survival and recruitment for this species.
Health professionals’ roles and practices in supporting women experiencing miscarriage: A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Kirsten L.B. , Temple‐Smith Meredith J. , Bilardi Jade E.
Published: October 2018

Background

Miscarriage can result in significant psychological morbidity. Research suggests health professionals play a role in shaping women's experience of miscarriage.

Aims

This study explored the views and practices of Australian health professionals in caring for women experiencing miscarriage.

Materials and Methods

Twelve health professionals from disciplines including medicine, midwifery and sonography were purposively sampled. Semi‐structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Participants acknowledged miscarriage is often a distressing event associated with feelings of grief and failure. They believed women who conceived through in vitro fertilisation, had experienced multiple miscarriages, or had a pre‐existing mental illness were likely to experience more distress than others. Despite limited training, participants generally felt competent in their abilities to provide emotional support. They viewed their role largely as guilt‐mitigation, which they achieved by stressing the frequency of miscarriage and emphasising that women were not at fault. Follow‐up practices varied, and where they did occur, focused on physical recovery. Generally, participants relied on women to express the need for further support. Participants reported that time and resource issues, compassion fatigue and a need for self‐protection restricted their abilities to provide better support care.

Conclusions

There are discrepancies between the emotional support health professionals think women want and are able to provide, and the support women would like. This exploratory study suggests the need for further investigation into provision of improved health professional support for women.
Lost in Aggregation: Improving Event Analysis with Report‐Level Data
Authors: Cook Scott J. , Weidmann Nils B.
Published: October 2018

Most measures of social conflict processes are derived from primary and secondary source reports. In many cases, reports are used to create event‐level data sets by aggregating information from multiple, and often conflicting, reports to single event observations. We argue that this pre‐aggregation is less innocuous than it seems, costing applied researchers opportunities for improved inference. First, researchers cannot evaluate the consequences of different methods of report aggregation. Second, aggregation discards report‐level information (i.e., variation across reports) that is useful in addressing measurement error inherent in event data. Therefore, we advocate that data should be supplied and analyzed at the report level. We demonstrate the consequences of using aggregated event data as a predictor or outcome variable, and how analysis can be improved using report‐level information directly. These gains are demonstrated with simulated‐data experiments and in the analysis of real‐world data, using the newly available Mass Mobilization in Autocracies Database (MMAD).
Increased maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and body mass index are associated with increased cesarean delivery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Eley Victoria , Sekar Renuka , Chin Adrian , Donovan Timothy , Krepska Amy , Lawrence Mitchell , Bell Sheridan , McGrath Shaun , Robinson Alexander , Webb Lachlan , Marquart Louise
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is known to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes but does not account for body fat distribution. This study aimed to determine prospectively whether maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (SCFT) measured by ultrasound at the fetal morphology scan is a better predictor than BMI of mode of delivery and other pregnancy outcomes.

Material and methods

This was a prospective cohort study of women delivering singleton neonates at a tertiary public hospital. Women were included if they had appropriate images at the routine fetal anomaly ultrasound scan and delivered in the facility. The primary outcome was mode of delivery categorized as cesarean section or vaginal delivery. The relation between maternal SCFT and BMI was described using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The association of maternal abdominal SCFT BMI at booking‐in was compared with pregnancy outcomes using univariate linear and logistic regression.

Results

SCFT and BMI were obtained for 997 women. The median (interquartile range) SCFT was 15.3 mm (12.8‐19.6) and median (interquartile range) BMI 24.3 kg/m2 (21.7‐28.3). Maternal abdominal SCFT and BMI were highly correlated (R2 = 0.55). Both were significantly associated with cesarean delivery: SCFT per 5 mm (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18‐1.48; BMI per 5 kg/m2 OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15‐1.44.

Conclusions

Maternal abdominal SCFT and BMI were both significantly associated with cesarean delivery and other outcomes. More research is needed to define the strengths of maternal SCFT in predicting pregnancy outcomes.
Adjuvant 17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate in women with history‐indicated cerclage: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eke Ahizechukwu C. , Sheffield Jeanne , Graham Ernest M.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there are additional benefits of 17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17‐OHPC) supplementation in preventing recurrent spontaneous preterm birth in women with a prophylactic cerclage.

Material and methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO, EMBASE, Scielo and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for studies published before June 2018. Keywords included “preterm birth”, “prophylactic cerclage”, “history‐indicated cerclage”, “pregnancy” and “17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate”. Studies comparing history‐indicated cerclage alone with cerclage+17‐OHPC were included. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth at <24 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcome measures include preterm birth at <28 weeks, <32 weeks and <37 weeks of gestation, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, fetal birthweight, neonatal intensive care unit stay, mean gestational age at delivery, fetal/neonatal death, neurological morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage plus periventricular leukomalacia), neonatal sepsis and a composite of severe neonatal morbidity. Severe neonatal morbidity was defined as a composite measure of periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage (grades III and IV), necrotizing enterocolitis or respiratory distress syndrome. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. Risk of bias and quality assessment were performed using the ROBINS‐I and GRADE tools, respectively. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42018094559.

Results

Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Of the 546 women, 357 (75%) received history‐indicated cerclage alone and 189 (35%) received adjuvant 17‐OHPC. The composite endpoint, severe neonatal morbidity, was present in 84 of 1515 neonates. Though there was a trend toward a reduced risk of preterm birth, the summary estimate of effect was not statistically significant when comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17‐OHPC at <24 weeks (relative risk [RR] .86, 95% confidence interval [CI] .45‐1.65). Similarly, we found no differences in preterm birth at <37 weeks (RR .90, 95% CI .70‐1.17) and <28 weeks (RR .85, 95% CI .54‐1.32) when comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17‐OHPC. There were no differences in fetal birthweight, respiratory distress syndrome or necrotizing enterocolitis comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17‐OHPC.

Conclusions

Intramuscular 17‐OHPC in combination with prophylactic cerclage in women with prior preterm birth had no synergistic effect in reducing spontaneous recurrent preterm birth or improving perinatal outcomes.
Higher menopausal age but no differences in parity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with controls
Authors: Forslund Maria , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin , Schmidt Johanna , Brännström Mats , Trimpou Penelope , Dahlgren Eva
Published: October 2018

Introduction

To address the question of whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) reach menopause later than age‐matched controls, we conducted a follow‐up cohort study of women with well‐characterized PCOS that was diagnosed 24 years ago. The hypothesis was that women with PCOS would reach menopause later than non‐PCOS women. Parity during these 24 years was also studied.

Material and methods

Twenty‐seven women diagnosed with PCOS in 1992 (mean age 29.5 years) were re‐examined in 2016 (mean age 52.4 years). Randomly selected women, n = 94 (mean age 52.4 years), from the same geographic area included in the World Health Organization MONICA study, Gothenburg, Sweden, served as controls.

Results

The mean menopausal age in women with PCOS was higher than in controls (53.3 ± 2.2 years vs 49.3 ± 3.5 years, P < 0.01). Serum‐follicle stimulating hormone levels were lower in the PCOS women than in controls (31.0 ± 28.1 IU/L vs 52.3 ± 37.7 IU/L, P = 0.01). There was no difference in parity between women with PCOS (1.9 ± 1.3 children, range 0‐4) and controls (1.7 ± 1.0, range 0‐4 children).

Conclusions

Women with PCOS reached menopause 4 years later and had lower serum‐follicle stimulating hormone compared with age‐matched controls. Neither parity nor nulliparity differed between women with PCOS and controls.
Seselin ameliorates inflammation via targeting Jak2 to suppress the proinflammatory phenotype of macrophages
Authors: Feng Lili , Sun Yi , Song Pingping , Xu Lisha , Wu Xingxin , Wu Xuefeng , Shen Yan , Sun Yang , Kong Lingdong , Wu Xudong , Xu Qiang
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose

Sepsis is a serious clinical condition with a high mortality rate. Anti inflammatory agents have been found to be beneficial for the treatment of sepsis. Here, we have evaluated the anti‐inflammatory activity of seselin in models of sepsis and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism(s).

Experimental Approach

In vivo therapeutic effects of seselin was evaluated in two models of sepsis, caecal ligation and puncture or injection of LPS, in C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, anti‐inflammatory activity of seselin was assessed with macrophages stimulated with LPS and IFN‐γ. Anti inflammatory actions were analysed with immunohistochemical methods, ELISA and Western blotting. Flow cytometry was used to assess markers of macrophage phenotype (pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory). Other methods used included co‐immunoprecipitation, cellular thermal shift assay and molecular docking.

Key Results

In vivo, seselin clearly ameliorated sepsis induced by caecal ligation and puncture. In lung tissue from septic mice and in cultured macrophages, seselin down‐regulated levels of proinflammatory factors and activity of STAT1 and p65, the master signal pathway molecules for polarization of macrophages into the proinflammatory phenotype. Importantly, adoptive transfer of bone marrow‐derived macrophages, pretreated with seselin, lowered systemic proinflammatory factors in mice challenged with LPS. The underlying mechanism was that seselin targeted Jak2 to block interaction with IFNγ receptors and downstream STAT1.

Conclusions and Implications

Seselin exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity through its action on Jak2. These results indicated a possible application of seselin to the treatment of inflammatory disease via blocking the development of the proinflammatory phenotype of macrophages.
Diverse Experience of Immigrant Children: How Do Separation and Reunification Shape Their Development?
Authors: Lu Yao , He Qian , Brooks‐Gunn Jeanne
Published: October 2018

Although many immigrant children to the United States arrive with their parents, a notable proportion are first separated and later reunited with their parents. How do the experiences of separation and reunification shape the well‐being of immigrant children? Data were from a national survey of legal adult immigrants and their families, the New Immigrant Survey from 2003 to 2004 (for academic achievement, age 6–12, N = 876; for psychosocial well‐being, age 6–17, N = 1,084). Results indicated that immigrant children who were once separated from their parents exhibited poorer literacy and higher risk of emotional and behavioral problems than those who migrated with parents. A protracted period of separation and previous undocumented status of parents amplified the disadvantages experienced by these children.
Pre‐liver transplant renal dysfunction and association with post‐transplant end‐stage renal disease: A single‐center examination of updated UNOS recommendations
Authors: Chauhan Kinsuk , Azzi Yorg , Faddoul Geovani , Liriano‐Ward Luz , Chang Paul , Nadkarni Girish , Delaney Veronica , Ames Scott , Debnath Neha , Singh Nandita , Sehgal Vinita , Di Boccardo Graciela , Garzon Felipe , Nair Vinay , Kent Rebecca , Lerner Susan , Coca Steven , Shapiro Ron , Florman Sander , Schiano Thomas , Menon Madhav C.
Published: October 2018

Simultaneous liver‐kidney allocation protocols allocate dual organs based on a sustained eGFR of 30 mL/min or less. A 2017‐UNOS update includes CKD3 as dual organ candidates but only when the listing eGFR is <30 mL/min while recommending a "safety net" for prioritized kidney listing post‐LT. We retrospectively reviewed adult LTs examine whether the UNOS proposal captured the LT population at highest risk for developing post‐LT ESRD. Among 290 LT recipients, 67 had pre‐LT CKD3, 141 had AKI, of whom 47 required dialysis (<4 weeks). During follow‐up, 25 (8.62%) developed ESRD, while 70 (24.1%) died. In adjusted Cox models, CKD3 had an independent association with post‐LT ESRD (adjusted HR 4.8; P = 0.001), independent of AKI. Interestingly, CKD3 with listing GFR >30 mL/min was still significantly associated with post‐LT ESRD. AKI was associated with reduced post‐LT survival (adjusted HR 1.9; P = 0.02), albeit only in the first‐year post‐LT. Severe AKI‐D was associated with post‐LT ESRD and mortality. The safety net would have captured only 60% of all post‐LT ESRD cases in our cohort. Pre‐LT CKD3 was associated with increased risk of post‐LT ESRD above the recommended cutoff for listing GFR. These findings, if generalizable in larger cohorts have important implications for dual organ allocation.
Value of contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography with enhancement pattern for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Shimokawa Toshio , Napoléon Bertrand , Fusaroli Pietro , Gincul Rodica , Kudo Masatoshi , Kitano Masayuki
Published: October 2018

Background

Current imaging modalities are limited in their ability to distinguish pancreatic cancer (PC) from non‐neoplastic pancreatic lesions. The diagnostic use of contrast‐enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (CE‐EUS) has increased, and its utility has been reported. Recently, contrast‐enhanced harmonic EUS (CH‐EUS) was reported to facilitate imaging of parenchymal perfusion and microvessels in pancreatobiliary diseases, leading to a high diagnostic accuracy for PC. The present meta‐analysis aims to investigate the usefulness of CH‐EUS with enhancement pattern for PC diagnosis.

Methods

A systematic meta‐analysis of all potentially relevant articles identified in PubMed, the Cochrane library, and Medline was carried out. Fixed‐effects or random‐effects models were used to investigate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The study enrolled 887 patients from nine eligible studies. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 93% (95% CI, 0.91–0.95) and 80% (95% CI, 0.75–0.85), respectively. Subgroup analyses were carried out on the main results after excluding two outliers. Area under summary receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.97. No publication bias was found using funnel plots. No significant relationship was found between the diagnostic odds ratios and the characteristics of the studies including continent and contrast agent.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed that CH‐EUS with qualitative analysis of enhancement pattern is useful for the diagnosis of PC, and has high sensitivity and accuracy, regardless of the type of contrast agent used. This modality may provide improved diagnostic accuracy for PC in clinical practice.
From negative reactivity to empathic responding: Infants high in negative reactivity express more empathy later in development, with the help of regulation
Authors: Abramson Lior , Paz Yael , Knafo‐Noam Ariel
Published: October 2018

Empathy has great effect on human well‐being, promoting healthy relationships and social competence. Although it is increasingly acknowledged that infants show empathy toward others, individual differences in infants’ empathy from the first year of life have rarely been investigated longitudinally. Here we examined how negative reactivity and regulation, two temperament traits that predict empathic responses in older children and adults, relate to infants’ empathy. Infants were studied at the ages of nine (N = 275) and 18 (N = 301) months (194 infants were studied at both ages). Empathic responses were assessed by infants’ observed reactions to an experimenter's simulated distress. Negative reactivity (fear, sadness, and distress to limitations) and regulation (soothability and effortful control) were assessed by parental reports. Negative reactivity was also examined by infants’ observed reactions to an adult stranger (fear) and during interaction with their mothers (displays of sadness/distress). When examined cross‐sectionally, infants’ fear and distress to limitations associated with self‐distress in response to others’ distress. In contrast, when examined longitudinally, early sadness and distress to limitations, but not fear, associated with later empathic concern and inquisitiveness. Moreover, this longitudinal relation was moderated by infants’ soothability and was evident only for children that had high soothability by the later time‐point. Our findings suggest that infants who at an earlier age show negative reactivity, react later in development with more empathy if they achieve sufficient regulation abilities. By that, the findings stress the developmental nature of temperament–empathy relations during infancy.
A curious case of an absent left atrial appendage
Authors: Singam Narayana Sarma V. , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Stidam Jeffrey M. , Solankhi Naresh K. , Bessen Matthew , Stoddard Marcus F.
Published: October 2018

The left atrial appendage (LAA) in the setting of non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the predominant location for intracardiac thrombus formation. An absent LAA is a very rare congenital cardiac anomaly. We present a case of a 79‐year‐old female with NVAF, high CHADS2VASC2 score, and high bleeding risk who presented for elective Watchman™ left atrial appendage closure device implant. A pre‐procedural transesophageal echocardiography showed an absent LAA. This finding was confirmed with cardiac computed tomography and a left atrial angiogram. The patient was discharged on medical therapy with close outpatient follow‐up.
Three‐dimensional echocardiography demonstrates a skewered left ventricular thrombus in a patient with a heart transplant
Authors: Gannon Michael P. , Saba Shahryar G. , Hirsh Benjamin J. , Halperin Jonathan L. , Garcia Mario J. , Pinney Sean P. , Goldman Martin E.
Published: October 2018

A left ventricular (LV) false tendon is a frequently visualized structure in echocardiography with unclear clinical significance. We present the case of a false tendon serving as a nidus for thrombus in a post‐orthotopic heart transplantation patient. Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) was utilized to visualize a LV mass and facilitate its identification as a thrombus as well as the surrounding structures. Using datasets from 3DTTE, the lack of ventricular wall attachment and circumferential formation of the thrombus around the false tendon was identified. Serial imaging demonstrated resolution of the thrombus with anticoagulation.
When appearances deceive: Echocardiographic changes due to common chest pathology
Authors: Hovgaard Henrik Lynge , Nielsen Roni Ranghøj , Laursen Christian B. , Frederiksen Christian Alcaraz , Juhl‐Olsen Peter
Published: October 2018

Most indications for performing echocardiography focus on the evaluation of properties intrinsic to the heart. However, numerous extra‐cardiac conditions indirectly convey changes to the echocardiographic appearance through alterations in the governing physiology. Pulmonary embolism increases pulmonary arterial pressure if a sufficient cross‐sectional area of the pulmonary vascular bed is occluded. This may result in dilatation of the right ventricle and, in severe cases, concomitant early diastolic septal collapse into the left ventricle. Acute respiratory failure has been shown to yield a similar echocardiographic appearance in experimental conditions due to the resultant pulmonary vasoconstriction. Echocardiography in the presence of pulmonary disease can reveal underlying cardiac pathologies such as pulmonary hypertension that contribute to the clinical severity of respiratory distress. Positive pressure ventilation affects preload, afterload, and compliance of both ventricles. The echocardiographic net result cannot be uniformly anticipated, but provides information on the deciding physiology or pathophysiology. Mediastinal pathology including tumors, herniation of abdominal content, and pleural effusion can often be visualized directly with echocardiography. Mediastinal pathologies adjacent to the heart may compress the myocardium directly, thus facilitating echocardiographic and clinical signs of tamponade in the absence of pericardial effusion. In conclusion, many pathologies of extra‐cardiac origin influence the echocardiographic appearance of the heart. These changes do not reflect properties of the myocardium but may well be mistaken for it. Hence, these conditions are essential knowledge to all physicians performing echocardiography across the spectrum from advanced cardiological diagnostics to rapid point‐of‐care focused cardiac ultrasonography.
Growth and recruitment dynamics of young‐of‐year northern pike: Implications for habitat conservation and management
Authors: Oele Daniel L. , Gaeta Jereme W. , Rypel Andrew L. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: October 2018

Maximising growth during the months after hatching is critical for fishes to surpass predator gape limits, make ontogenetic shifts in diet and increase overwinter survival. Constraints on growth during early life stages can have population and community‐level implications, yet are rarely addressed by habitat restoration or fishery management efforts. To assess environmental controls on larval growth rates, we sampled adult and young‐of‐year (YOY) northern pike (Esox lucius) emigrating from spawning grounds in six tributaries of Lake Michigan. We found that YOY growth rates differed significantly among natal streams, in parallel with variation in hatch date and water temperatures. Within each stream, individual growth rates were positively associated with trophic position, as measured by nitrogen isotope enrichment and gut contents. Earlier hatching individuals also grew faster, but the strength of this relationship varied with warming water temperatures (i.e., 21–27°C). Ageing of adult spawners indicated no differences among streams in average growth rates later in life. Our findings suggest that restoration efforts should replicate ecological conditions found in habitats producing large numbers of fast‐growing YOY. Key habitat attributes include adequate water level throughout the spring spawning season, and stable, warm water temperature conditions. Providing these environments during early life history could enhance the robustness of northern pike populations by boosting fitness from hatching to emigration to adult habitats.
Using Diagnostic Profiles to Describe Borderline Performance in Standard Setting
Authors: Skaggs Gary , Hein Serge F. , Wilkins Jesse L. M.
Published: October 2018

In test‐centered standard‐setting methods, borderline performance can be represented by many different profiles of strengths and weaknesses. As a result, asking panelists to estimate item or test performance for a hypothetical group study of borderline examinees, or a typical borderline examinee, may be an extremely difficult task and one that can lead to questionable results in setting cut scores. In this study, data collected from a previous standard‐setting study are used to deduce panelists’ conceptions of profiles of borderline performance. These profiles are then used to predict cut scores on a test of algebra readiness. The results indicate that these profiles can predict a very wide range of cut scores both within and between panelists. Modifications are proposed to existing training procedures for test‐centered methods that can account for the variation in borderline profiles.
No latency to dentate granule cell epileptogenesis in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Bumanglag Argyle V. , Sloviter Robert S.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine when spontaneous granule cell epileptiform discharges first occur after hippocampal injury, and to identify the postinjury “latent” period as either a “silent” gestational state of epileptogenesis or a subtle epileptic state in gradual transition to a more obvious epileptic state.

Methods

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus evoked by perforant path stimulation in urethane‐sedated rats produced selective and extensive hippocampal injury and a “latent” period that preceded the onset of the first clinically obvious epileptic seizures. Continuous granule cell layer depth recording and video monitoring assessed the time course of granule cell hyperexcitability and the onset/offset times of spontaneous epileptiform discharges and behavioral seizures.

Results

One day postinjury, granule cells in awake rats were hyperexcitable to afferent input, and continuously generated spontaneous population spikes. During the ~2‐4 week “latent” period, granule cell epileptiform discharges lasting ~30 seconds caused subtle focal seizures characterized by immobilization and facial automatisms that were undetected by behavioral assessment alone but identified post hoc. Granule cell layer epileptiform discharge duration eventually tripled, which caused the first clinically obvious seizure, ending the “latent” period. Behavioral seizure duration was linked tightly to spontaneous granule cell layer events. Granule cell epileptiform discharges preceded all behavioral seizure onsets, and clonic behaviors ended abruptly within seconds of the termination of each granule cell epileptiform discharge. Noninjurious hippocampal excitation produced no evidence of granule cell hyperexcitability or epileptogenesis.

Significance

The latent period in this model is a subtle epileptic state in transition to a more clinically obvious epileptic state, not a seizure‐free “gestational” state when an unidentified epileptogenic mechanism gradually develops. Based on the onset/offset times of electrographic and behavioral events, granule cell behavior may be the prime determinant of seizure onset, phenotype, duration, and offset in this model of hippocampal‐onset epilepsy. Extensive hippocampal neuron loss could be the primary epileptogenic mechanism.
Expression of proton‐sensing G‐protein‐coupled receptors in selected skin tumors
Authors: Nassios Anaïs , Wallner Susanne , Haferkamp Sebastian , Klingelhöffer Christoph , Brochhausen Christoph , Schreml Stephan
Published: October 2018

Background

In humans, there are four known proton‐sensing G‐Protein‐coupled receptors (pH‐GPCRs): GPR4 (GPR19), TDAG8 (GPR65, T‐cell death‐associated gene 8), OGR1 (GPR68, ovarian cancer GPCR1) and G2A (GPR132, G2 accumulation protein). They are known to be involved in sensing changes of extracellular proton concentrations in the acidic microenvironment of tumors, which leads to altered cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, immune cell function and inflammation. However, little is known about the expression of pH‐GPCRs in the skin and especially skin cancers.

Aim

We studied the expression of pH‐GPCRs in selected skin cancers, that is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS).

Methods

We did immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to analyse the expression of GPR4, TDAG8, OGR1 and G2A using paraffin‐embedded tissue samples (n = 4, exceptions: PDS GPR4/GPR65 n = 5, AFX GPR132 n = 3) from patients suffering from MCC, DFSP, AFX and PDS.

Results

(a) GPR4 was expressed on all AFX and PDS specimens. All AFX and MCC showed a positive expression of G2A. All PDS exhibited a strong positive expression of G2A. (b) MCCs neither expressed GPR4 nor TDAG8. All DFSP showed no expression of TDAG8. (c) For any other combination of GPCR and skin disease, we found positive/negative mixed results.

Conclusions

These are the first results on pH‐GPCRs in selected skin cancers. We provide evidence that these GPCRs are differentially expressed on the various types of skin cancers and that they can potentially be addressed as a therapeutic target in extensive disease.