bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eradication of esophageal varices by sclerotherapy combined with argon plasma coagulation: Effect of portal hemodynamics and longitudinal clinical course
Authors: Kondo Takayuki , Maruyama Hitoshi , Kiyono Soichiro , Sekimoto Tadashi , Shimada Taro , Takahashi Masanori , Okugawa Hidehiro , Yokosuka Osamu , Kawahira Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi 
Published: October 2015

Background and AimTo demonstrate the effect of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with argon plasma coagulation (APC) as a primary/secondary prophylaxis for esophageal varies (EV) on portal hemodynamics and long‐term outcomes in cirrhosis.MethodsThis prospective study included 48 cirrhotic patients (64.5 ± 11.4 years; 26 bleeders, 22 non‐bleeders). Post‐treatment outcomes (EIS and APC; median observation period, 12.8 months for recurrence and 21.1 months for prognosis) were evaluated with respect to the findings of hepatic venous catheterization, Doppler ultrasound, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).ResultsAll patients showed EV eradication after endoscopic treatment, and a decreased frequency of a patent left gastric vein (pre: 83.3%, post: 27.1%, P < 0.001). However, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG, mmHg) remained unchanged after the treatment, pre: 16.1 ± 3.6, post: 15.6 ± 3.8 (P = 0.269). Cumulative variceal recurrence/rebleeding rates were 25.5%/5.6% and 62.4%/23.1% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Post‐treatment EUS finding, area of submucosal vessels in the cardia ≥12 mm2 was the only significant factor for variceal recurrence (hazard ratio 9.769, 95% confidence interval 3.046–31.337; P < 0.001). Cumulative recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with area of submucosal vessels in the cardia ≥12 mm2 (58.3% at 1 year and 100% at 3 years) than in those without (11.4% at 1 year and 40.9% at 3 years, P < 0.001). Cumulative overall survival rates were 95.2% and 71.9% at 1 and 3 years, respectively, showing no significant relationship with HVPG.ConclusionEIS with APC for EV is unlikely to have a significant influence on portal pressure.
Diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection in childhood posterior circulation arterial ischaemic stroke
Authors: McCrea Nadine , Saunders Dawn , Bagkeris Emmanouil , Chitre Manali , Ganesan Vijeya 
Published: October 2015

AimReview a series of children with posterior circulation arterial ischaemic stroke (PCAIS) to identify diagnostic modality and associations in cases of vertebral artery dissection (VAD).MethodRetrospective analysis of 30 cases of childhood PCAIS identified from two tertiary centres over 11 years. Clinical and demographic details were recorded. Brain and cerebrovascular imaging were reviewed. Aetiology was classified using the Childhood Arterial Ischaemic Stroke Standardized Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation criteria. Outcome was evaluated using standardized paediatric stroke outcome scores. Logistic regression was used to explore variables associated with diagnosis.ResultsTwenty‐three patients were male (77%) and 7 were female (23%). VAD was the most commonly identified aetiology, in 15 cases (50%). Aetiology was undetermined in 12 (40%), probable cardioembolism in two, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in one. In those with VAD, diagnosis was made on initial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in six (40%). Further cases of VAD were diagnosed with catheter angiography (n=6), computed tomographic angiography (n=1), or follow‐up MRA (n=2). Presence of multiple infarcts was associated with a diagnosis of VAD.InterpretationEndoluminal cerebrovascular imaging increases the rate of diagnosis of VAD in childhood PCAIS and should especially be considered if there are multiple infarcts.
Maternal medical conditions during pregnancy and gross motor development up to age 24 months in the Upstate KIDS study
Authors: Ghassabian Akhgar , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Wylie Amanda , Bell Erin , Bello Scott C , Yeung Edwina 
Published: October 2015

AimWe examined whether children of mothers with a medical condition diagnosed before or during pregnancy took longer to achieve gross motor milestones up to age 24 months.MethodWe obtained information on medical conditions using self‐reports, birth certificates, and hospital records in 4909 mothers participating in Upstate KIDS, a population‐based birth cohort. Mothers reported on their children's motor milestone achievement at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months of age.ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates (including pre‐pregnancy body mass index), children of mothers with gestational diabetes took longer to achieve sitting without support (hazard ratio [HR]=0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.93), walking with assistance (HR=0.88, 95% CI 0.77–0.98), and walking alone (HR=0.88, 95% CI 0.77–0.99) than children of females with no gestational diabetes. Similar findings emerged for maternal diabetes. Gestational hypertension was associated with a longer time to achieve walking with assistance. These associations did not change after adjustment for gestational age or birthweight. Severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were related to a longer time to achieve milestones, but not after adjustment for perinatal factors.InterpretationChildren exposed to maternal diabetes, gestational or pre‐gestational, may take longer to achieve motor milestones than non‐exposed children, independent of maternal obesity.
Intergroup Dialogue as a Just Dialogue: Challenging and Preventing Normalization in Campus Dialogues
Authors: Yazbak‐Abu Ahmad Manal , Dessel Adrienne B. , Mishkin Alice , Ali Noor , Omar Hind 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe tensions from the Israeli occupation of Palestine reach around the globe and heated debates over the struggles of these two peoples are evident on U.S. college campuses. The power imbalance represented in the relationship between Palestinians and Israelis is replicated on college campuses. BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) is a response to this inequality, is a movement to end the occupation, and has raised the issue of normalization. Teaching about this conflict presents particular challenges for faculty who negotiate this highly contested issue in classrooms or campus communities, and intergroup dialogue is an important pedagogy that can be used. It is critical to address normalization in intergroup dialogue. We discuss examples and themes of normalization in intergroup dialogue, and present pedagogical and other strategies to prevent and address normalization in intergroup dialogue and in other similar intergroup contact approaches with Arab or Palestinian and Jewish or Israeli participants.
Constitutional Reforms in Jordan: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Bani Salameh Mohammed Torki , Ali Ananzah Azzam 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study aims to shed light on the experience of the Jordanian constitutional reforms during the era of King Abdullah II and the Arab Spring. Moreover, this study provides a comprehensive and integrated view of these vital reforms and the democratic process in Jordan. With due consideration to the fact that the constitution represents the backbone of any political regime, constitutional developments in Jordan have been reviewed since the first Jordanian Constitution was drafted in 1928. By analyzing the most recent constitutional amendments, we identify the main features of these amendments as well as their strengths and weaknesses, potential for success or risk of failure, and the positive and negative reactions thereto. This study provides a summary and recommendation, notably, the need for further constitutional amendments to consolidate the process of reform and democracy in Jordan.
Covering the Building of a Kingdom: The Saudi Arabian Authority in The London Times and The New York Times, 1901–1932
Authors: Alrebh Abdullah F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe orientalist literature subjected the Middle East in an exotic way — mostly as an “Arabian Nights” society ruled by traditional sultans and/or tribal chiefs — rather than modern governance structure's “bureaucracy.” The presumption within postcolonial scholarship has been that this perception influenced the policy landscape in the United States and Europe, especially the media depictions of the oriental leaders and leadership. The paper empirically tests this hypothesis through content analysis using Weber's categorization of leadership of two newspapers of record — The New York Times in the United States and The London Times in the United Kingdom — during the period of state building in Saudi Arabia (1901–1932). I find that rather than depicting the Saudi leadership as “backward,” these newspapers in particular, tend to overstate the development of the Saudi state during this period. As Weber is best known for his three types of authority, it benefits the discipline to see how the interpretive communities of Western journalists operationalized “authority” in terms of politics and religion of Saudi Arabia as this monarchy emerged.
Islamists’ Conceptualization of Belonging and Otherness: The Case of Atawhid w'Al‐Islah in Morocco
Authors: Mahmi Najah , Jebbar Abdelhak 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAs one of the various Islamic groups in Morocco, each of which defends its case and concretizes Islamic activism in its way and according to its own philosophies, beliefs, goals and political agendas, the movement of Atawhid w'Al‐Islah presents itself through its discursive formations as the most open, flexible, and tolerant group in the Moroccan religious scene, and affirms values of dialogue, cooperation, tolerance, moderation, and embracement of otherness to be its founding beliefs and ideologies, while, in empirical reality, it fails to keep the same positive image and prove a real belief in the claimed principles and values. The two concepts of “group” and “belonging” stand as the shaping motives of the movement's actions and reactions, suggesting the notion of “distance” which controls interaction within and outside the group according to calculations of proximity, formed and framed by the belonging factor itself which dictates taxonomies and polarizations, defining people in terms of “X” and “Y.” This invigorates an intricate othering system that vacillates between the two extremes of simulation and stigmatization, and binary oppositions forged within a sphere of dissociativeness and inequality formulations. In this respect, this article aims to study the movement of Atawhid w'Al‐Islah's introversion and extroversion legacies, portraying the main features of its members and activities and scrutinizing its perception of “belonging” and “otherness” as two main concepts around which revolve its in‐group/out‐group taxonomies.
Economies of Desire: Sexuality and the Sex Industry in the 21st Century
Authors: Hakim Catherine 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNew data from sex surveys confirm that demand for commercial sex is based on permanent disparities between male and female desire, and is therefore ineradicable. Demand and supply are growing, facilitated by economic growth, the Internet, globalisation and changing sexual attitudes. A key objection to the sex industry is that pornography, lap dancing and prostitution promote rape and other kinds of violence against women. However, the evidence contradicts this contention. The commercial sex industry is impervious to prohibitions and cannot be eliminated. Laws which constrain sellers of sexual services or criminalise purchasers are not evidence‐based, and are bound to fail, wasting public resources.
Deirdre Mccloskey, Kirznerian Growth and The Role of Social Networks
Authors: Geloso Vincent 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article expands on the view of Deirdre McCloskey that the economic growth of the Western world since the end of the eighteenth century can be explained by the process of entrepreneurial change as expounded by Israel Kirzner. This article argues that while Kirzner's approach to economic development is indeed fruitful, it should be augmented through the study of social networks, which McCloskey has largely ignored. When social networks are seen in the light of the Kirznerian process of entrepreneurship, they represent an important institution that relays information about the proper identification and perception of opportunities.
Economic Freedom and Women's Emancipation in the MENA Region
Authors: Adnane Souad 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe position of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a complex topic, difficult to comprehend without allowing for socio‐cultural norms, legal frameworks and the global gender context. In thinking about a practical framework for action, the free market perspective is relevant and necessary. However, this alone does not seem to provide a complete answer to the problem of promoting women's economic status. This article makes the case for the importance of market‐friendly, but also gender‐sensitive, policies to promote women's economic freedom and hence women's emancipation in the MENA region.
One health – an ecological and evolutionary framework for tackling Neglected Zoonotic Diseases
Authors: Webster Joanne P. , Gower Charlotte M. , Knowles Sarah C. L. , Molyneux David H. , Fenton Andy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the complex population biology and transmission ecology of multihost parasites has been declared as one of the major challenges of biomedical sciences for the 21st century and the Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs) are perhaps the most neglected of all the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Here we consider how multihost parasite transmission and evolutionary dynamics may affect the success of human and animal disease control programmes, particularly neglected diseases of the developing world. We review the different types of zoonotic interactions that occur, both ecological and evolutionary, their potential relevance for current human control activities, and make suggestions for the development of an empirical evidence base and theoretical framework to better understand and predict the outcome of such interactions. In particular, we consider whether preventive chemotherapy, the current mainstay ofNTDcontrol, can be successful without a One Health approach. Transmission within and between animal reservoirs and humans can have important ecological and evolutionary consequences, driving the evolution and establishment of drug resistance, as well as providing selective pressures for spill‐over, host switching, hybridizations and introgressions between animal and human parasites. Our aim here is to highlight the importance of both elucidating disease ecology, including identifying key hosts and tailoring control effort accordingly, and understanding parasite evolution, such as precisely how infectious agents may respond and adapt to anthropogenic change. Both elements are essential if we are to alleviate disease risks fromNZDs in humans, domestic animals and wildlife.
Influenza hospitalization epidemiology from a severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system in Jordan, January 2008–February 2014
Authors: Al‐Abdallat Mohammad , Dawson Patrick , Haddadin Aktham Jeries , El‐Shoubary Waleed , Dueger Erica , Al‐Sanouri Tarek , Said Mayar M. , Talaat Maha 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Influenza typically contributes substantially to the burden of ARI, but only limited data are available on influenza activity and seasonality in Jordan.MethodsSyndromic case definitions were used to identify individuals with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) admitted to four sentinel hospitals in Jordan. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and typed as influenza A or B, with influenza A further subtyped.ResultsFrom January 2008–February 2014, 2891 SARI cases were tested for influenza, and 257 (9%) were positive. While 73% of all SARI cases were under 5 years of age, only 57% of influenza‐positive cases were under 5 years of age. Eight (3%) influenza‐positive cases died. An annual seasonal pattern of influenza activity was observed. The proportion of influenza‐positive cases peaked during November–January (14–42%) in the non‐pandemic years.ConclusionsInfluenza is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in Jordan. The seasonal pattern of influenza aligns with known Northern Hemisphere seasonality. Further characterization of the clinical and financial burden of influenza in Jordan will be critical in supporting decisions regarding disease control activities.
Telling tales in school: extended contact interventions in the classroom
Authors: Aronson Krista Maywalt , Stefanile Cristina , Matera Camilla , Nerini Amanda , Grisolaghi Jacopo , Romani Gianmarco , Massai Federica , Antonelli Paolo , Ferraresi Laura , Brown Rupert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExtended contact has demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting more positive intergroup attitudes among children in previous experimental research. The current project evaluates the use of extended contact interventions involving story‐telling in two novel school settings: the United States (N = 213) and Italy (N = 222) among children aged 5–12 years. Findings indicate support for the effectiveness of the interventions in these two locations among younger minority and majority children but call into question the durability of positive outcomes. Applications and implications are discussed.
Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: Implications for Care Delivery
Authors: Sahker Ethan , Schultz Susan K. , Arndt Stephan 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo compare substance use treatment differences of individuals aged 65 and older with that of those younger than 65 by analyzing smaller age groupings.DesignA retrospective analysis using Kruskal–Wallis chi‐square and chi‐square tests of association. Covariates were entered into an adjusted logistic regression to predict successful treatment completion.SettingIowa substance use disorder treatment centers.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 30 to 96 admitted to substance use treatment in Iowa between 2010 and 2013 (N = 57,591).MeasurementsSuccessful treatment completion, program length of stay, primary problem substance, referral source, and client demographic characteristics were analyzed to explore differences between age groupings in those aged 65 and older and between those aged 65 and older and those younger than 65.ResultsFindings demonstrated that individuals aged 65 to 69 were more likely to complete treatment successfully than those aged 75 and older (2 log likelihood χ2 = 102.06, degrees of freedom = 6, P < .001), and treatment referrals were increasingly more likely to occur from a primary care setting with increasing age. The eldest group reported significantly more hospitalizations because of their substance use (Wald z = 3.05, P < .002). Finally, referrals for driving under the influence were more likely in those aged 70 and older.ConclusionExcluding the oldest group (7,596), older age was associated with greater successful treatment completion. Overall, greater screening and earlier detection may be a critically important means of enhancing safety for older persons with substance use disorders.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Nutrition Intervention in Long‐Term Care
Authors: Simmons Sandra F. , Keeler Emmett , An Ruopeng , Liu Xulei , Shotwell Matthew S. , Kuertz Brittany , Silver Heidi J. , Schnelle John F. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the cost‐effectiveness of two nutrition interventions on food, beverage, and supplement intake and body weight.DesignRandomized, controlled trial.SettingFive skilled nursing home facilities.ParticipantsLong‐stay residents with orders for nutrition supplementation (N = 154).InterventionParticipants were randomized into a usual care control group, an oral liquid nutrition supplement (ONS) intervention group, or a snack intervention group. Research staff provided ONS, according to orders or a variety of snack foods and beverages twice per day between meals, 5 days per week for 24 weeks and assistance to promote consumption.MeasurementsResearch staff independently weighed residents at baseline and monthly during the 24‐week intervention. Resident food, beverage and supplement intake and the amount of staff time spent providing assistance were assessed for 2 days at baseline and 2 days per month during the intervention using standardized observation and weighed intake procedures.ResultsThe ONS intervention group took in an average of 265 calories more per day and the snack intervention group an average of 303 calories more per day than the control group. Staff time required to provide each intervention averaged 11 and 14 minutes per person per offer for ONS and snacks, respectively, and 3 minutes for usual care. Both interventions were cost‐effective in increasing caloric intake, but neither intervention had a significant effect on body weight, despite positive trends.ConclusionOral liquid nutrition supplements and snack offers were efficacious in promoting caloric intake when coupled with assistance to promote consumption and a variety of options, but neither intervention resulted in significant weight gain.
Clinical Utility of the Trail‐Making Test as a Predictor of Driving Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Papandonatos George D. , Ott Brian R. , Davis Jennifer D. , Barco Peggy P. , Carr David B. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the clinical utility of the Trail‐Making Tests (TMTs) as screens for impaired road‐test performance.DesignSecondary analyses of three data sets from previously published studies of impaired driving in older adults using comparable road test designs and outcome measures.SettingTwo academic driving specialty clinics.ParticipantsOlder drivers (N = 392; 303 with cognitive impairment, 89 controls) from Rhode Island and Missouri.MeasurementsStandard operating characteristics were evaluated for the TMT Part A (TMT‐A) and Part B (TMT‐B), as well as optimal upper and lower test cut‐points that could be useful in defining groups of drivers with indeterminate likelihood of impaired driving who would most benefit from further screening or on‐road testing.ResultsDiscrimination remained high (>70%) when cut‐points for the TMTs derived from Rhode Island data were applied to Missouri data, but calibration was poor (all P < .01). TMT‐A provided the best utility for determining a range of scores (68–90 seconds) for which additional road testing would be indicated in general practice settings. A high frequency of cognitively impaired participants unable to perform the TMT‐B test within the allotted time limited the utility of the test (>25%). Mere inability to complete the test in a reasonable time frame (e.g., TMT‐A > 48 seconds or TMT‐B > 108 seconds) may still be a useful tool in separating unsafe from safe or marginal drivers in such samples.ConclusionThe TMTs (particularly TMT‐A) may be useful as screens for driving impairment in older drivers in general practice settings, where most people are still safe drivers, but more‐precise screening measures need to be analyzed critically in a variety of clinical settings for testing cognitively impaired older drivers.