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The use of structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques in social work has increased over the last two decades. We therefore conducted a systematic review to understand the extent to which SEM is utilized in social work research, given that statistical training is now becoming a part of social work doctoral education. For our review, we utilized the PRISMA method and relied on the Web of Knowledge database. Social work articles published between March 2012 to December 2017 were included in the review. In total, we included 466 studies using SEM methods that were published across 44 social work journals. To our knowledge, this is the most up-to-date review that summarizes the extent to which research published in journals of social work utilizes SEM. Owing to the strengths of SEM over standard regression methods, its increased use demonstrates advanced application of data analysis methods in the dissemination of social work research. Further implications for social work research and education are discussed. Specifically, we discuss the role of social work doctoral programs in equipping students to efficiently utilize SEM techniques in research.

The correlation between education and development, with time, went through many changes along with the changes of perspectives. Since both of these concepts encompass wide ranges of social phenomena and factors, the analysis remains always complicated. However, in the era of SDGs and at the time when post-development debates have been raised, it is important to address this conceptual correlation through the conceptual analysis. Different development theories, as reflected in the discussion, have presented the vitality of education in development process from different angle, in deeper analysis it became clearer that actually two major trends exist--education 'for' development and education 'in' development--under which all can be grouped. However, the critics of those different development theories paint the picture with an assumption that the role of education in the process of development has been misunderstood and mis-presented to some extent. This poses the debate towards finding how the role of education to development process can be better realized and, therefore, this paper analysed it from three key thoughts towards redefining the paradigm. Goulet argues that development needs authentic in ethical way where Sen more freedom should be given by widening individual's capability. However, in close analysis on Freirean thoughts, the limits of this relation remain un-encompassed as the definition of development is rather contextual and flexible for the discourses on the role of education for social justice.

Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Validamycin A (VA) is an antibiotic fungicide that inhibits trehalase activity and is widely used for crop protection in agriculture. In this study, we identified a novel function of VA as a potential anti-seizure medication in a zebrafish epilepsy model. Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis demonstrated that VA reduced pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in the brains of larval and adult zebrafish. Moreover, VA reduced PTZ-induced irregular movement in a behavioral assessment of adult zebrafish. The developmental toxicity test showed no observable anatomical alteration when the zebrafish larvae were treated with VA up to 10 µM within the effective range. The median lethal dose of VA in adult zebrafish was > 14,000 mg/kg. These results imply that VA does not demonstrate observable toxicity in zebrafish at concentrations effective for generating anti-seizure activity in the EEG and alleviating abnormal behavior in the PTZ-induced epileptic model. Furthermore, the effectiveness of VA was comparable to that of valproic acid. These results indicate that VA may have a potentially safer anti-seizure profile than valproic acid, thus offering promising prospects for its application in agriculture and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is still little knowledge about the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). The aim of this study was to assess the short‐ and long‐ term outcomes of LLR versus open liver resection (OLR) for patients with multiple HCC within and beyond the Milan criteria, and in both BCLC‐A and ‐B stage. Methods: Data regarding all consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for multiple HCC were retrospectively collected from Asian (South Korean) and European (Italian) referral HPB centers. The cases were propensity‐score matched for age, BMI, center, extent of the resection, postero‐superior location of the lesion, underlying liver condition, BCLB staging and the Milan criteria. Results: A total of 203 patients were included in the study: 27% of patients had undergone hemi‐hepatectomy, 26.6% atypical resections, 20.6% sectionectomy and 16.2% segmentectomy. After PSM two cohorts of 57 patients were obtained, with no significant differences in all preoperative characteristics. The length of hospital stay was significantly lower after LLR (median 7 vs. 9 days, p <.01), with no statistically significant differences in estimated blood loss, operation time, transfusions, postoperative bile leak, ascites, severe complications and R1 resection rates. After a median follow‐up of 61 (±7) months, there were no significant differences between OLR and LLR in both median OS (69 vs. 59 months, p =.74, respectively) and median DFS (12 vs. 10 months, p =.48, respectively). Conclusion: LLR for multiple HCC can be safe and effective in selected cases and is able to shorten median hospital stay without affecting perioperative and long‐term oncological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]