bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of verb inflections among Bangla‐speaking children with language disorder
Authors: Sultana Asifa , Stokes Stephanie F. , Klee Thomas , Fletcher Paul
Published: November 2018

Background

Children with language disorder across languages have problems with verb morphology. The nature of these problems varies according to the typology of the language. The language analyzed in this paper is the Standard Bangla spoken in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by more than 200 million people. It is an underexplored language with agglutinative features in its verb inflections. Some information on the acquisition of the language by typically developing children is available, but to date we have no information on the nature of ALD. As in many places in the developing world, the circumstances for research into language disorder are challenging, as there is no well‐ordered infrastructure for the identification of these children and approaches to intervention are not evidence based. This study represents the first attempt to characterize the nature of morphosyntactic limitations in standard Bangla‐speaking children with language disorder.

Aims

To describe the performance of a group of children with language disorder on elicitation procedures for three Bangla verb inflections of increasing structural complexity—present simple, present progressive and past progressive—and to compare their abilities on these forms with those of a group of typically developing Bangla‐speaking children.

Methods & Procedures

Nine children with language disorder (mean age = 88.11 months) were recruited from a special school in Dhaka. Eight of the children also had a differentiating or co‐occurring condition. They responded to three tasks: a semi‐structured conversation to elicit present simple, and two picture‐based tasks to elicit present progressive and past progressive. Their performance was compared with data available from a large group of younger typically developing children.

Outcomes and Results

Group data indicated a comparable trajectory of performance by the children with language disorder with the typically developing children (present simple > present progressive > past progressive), but with significantly lower mean scores. Standard deviations suggested considerable individual variation and individual profiles were constructed for each child, revealing varying patterns of ability, some of which did not accord with the typical developmental trajectory and/or substitution patterns.

Conclusions & Implications

This study identified verb morphology deficits in Bangla‐speaking children with language disorder who had asociated conditions. Variation in performance among the children suggests that individual profiles will be most effective in guiding intervention.
Efficacy of a self‐administered treatment using a smart tablet to improve functional vocabulary in post‐stroke aphasia: a case‐series study
Authors: Lavoie Monica , Bier Nathalie , Macoir Joël
Published: November 2018

Background

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that occurs secondary to brain injury, such as stroke. It causes communication difficulties that have a significant impact on quality of life and social relationships. Although the efficacy of speech–language therapy has been clearly demonstrated in this population, long‐term services are currently limited due to logistical and financial constraints. In this context, the potential contribution of technology, such as smart tablets, is worth exploring, especially to improve vocabulary that is relevant in daily life.

Aims

The main aim was to investigate the efficacy of a self‐administered treatment using a smart tablet to improve naming of functional words in post‐stroke anomia.

Methods & Procedures

Four adults with post‐stroke aphasia took part in the study. An ABA design with multiple baselines was used to compare naming performances for four equivalent lists: (1) trained with functional words chosen with the participant; (2) trained with words randomly chosen from a picture database; (3) exposed but not trained; and (4) not exposed (control).

Outcomes & Results

For all participants, the treatment self‐administered at home (four times/week for 4 weeks) resulted in a significant improvement for both sets of trained words that was maintained 2 months after the end of treatment. Moreover, in two participants, evidence of generalization to conversation was found.

Conclusions & Implications

This study confirms the efficacy of using smart tablets to improve naming in post‐stroke aphasia. Although more studies are needed, the use of new technologies is unquestionably a promising approach to improve communication skills in people with aphasia, especially by targeting vocabulary that is relevant to them in their daily lives.
Development of text messages targeting healthy eating for children in the context of parenting partnerships
Authors: Chai Li K. , May Chris , Collins Clare E. , Burrows Tracy L.
Published: November 2018

Aim

There has been an increase in the use of text messaging to deliver and support health interventions. The aim was to develop a bank of text messages targeting healthy eating for children in the context of parenting partnerships that could be used in a family intervention.

Methods

Text messages were developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Wheel COM‐B model by study investigators using a three‐phase approach: (i) initial development of a message bank; (ii) messages were reviewed and evaluated by experts and parents on their clarity, usefulness, and relevance using a 5‐point Likert scale and open text spaces for additional feedback and (iii) refinement of messages content and finalised the message bank.

Results

Messages were reviewed for ‘clarity’, ‘usefulness’ and ‘relevance’ by 20 parents and 28 health experts, who were predominantly female (92%), parents of primary school age children (33%), of low to middle socioeconomic status (78%), with a mean age of 39 years (SD ± 9.87). From an initial set of 97 messages developed, 48 messages were retained through consultation. Messages were designed to complement the intervention, while engaging both parents.

Conclusions

The three‐phase development created a set of text messages acceptable to experts and parents that aim to support improvement in child eating behaviours. The process provides a template and practical guide for researchers and health providers looking to apply a systematic approach to text messages development. Future research should investigate acceptability and impact of these messages as a component of family‐based nutrition intervention.
A taxonomic review of KoreanMocytaMulsant & Rey with description of a new species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: Lee Seung‐Gyu , Ahn Kee‐Jeong
Published: November 2018

A taxonomic review of the genusMocytaMulsant & Rey in Korea is presented. The genus is represented in Korea by three species includingMocyta janiLee & Ahn,sp. nov.andM. vivida(Sharp),comb. nov.A key to Korean species, descriptions, habitus photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters are provided.
Tax Avoidance, Managerial Ability, and Investment Efficiency
Authors: Khurana Inder K. , Moser William J. , Raman K. K.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we examine the impact of managerial ability on the relation between corporate tax avoidance and investment efficiency. Using a sample of US firms from 1994–2015, we find that as tax avoidance increases, firms with high (low) managerial ability exhibit increased (reduced) investment efficiency, that is, smaller (greater) deviations from predicted levels of investment spending. Supplemental analysis also shows that as tax avoidance increases, strong (weak) corporate governance increases (decreases) investment efficiency. Overall, our findings shed light on whether corporate tax avoidance generates wealth for the firm's shareholders or simply exacerbates agency problems.
SNP panel development for genetic management of wild and domesticated white bass (Morone chrysops)
Authors: Zhao H. , Fuller A. , Thongda W. , Mohammed H. , Abernathy J. , Beck B. , Peatman E.
Published: November 2018

White bass (Morone chrysops), striped bass and their interspecific hybrid are important game fishes, whereas the hybrid striped bass is an important aquaculture species in the US. Numerous state, federal and private hatcheries, therefore, rear these species for stocking purposes as well as for food fish. Although striped bass populations (both wild and domesticated) have been extensively evaluated, relatively little effort has been directed toward the study and improvement of white bass. In this study, we developed SNP resources to examine the genetic relationships among a long‐term domesticated white bass line and five potential founder stocks for selective breeding collected from drainages in Arkansas, Texas and Alabama. Using genotyping‐by‐sequencing, we generated 13 872 genome‐wide SNP loci across the six populations. Stringent filtering of SNP‐calling parameters identified 426 informative SNP loci. Population genetic and structure analyses using these loci revealed only moderate genetic differentiation between populations (global Fst = 0.083) and indicated two major genetic clusters. A final 57‐SNP assay was successfully designed and validated using the MassARRAY system. The developed SNP panel assigned 96 additional genotyped individuals to their population of origin with 100% accuracy. The SNP resources developed in this study should facilitate ongoing efforts in selective breeding and conservation of white bass.
Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: A qualitative approach
Authors: Syed Elias Sharifah Munirah , Petriwskyj Andrea , Scott Theresa , Neville Christine
Published: November 2018

Objective

To explore how older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression experience a spiritual reminiscence therapy (SRT) program and to explore its acceptability within the Malaysian population.

Methods

Unstructured observations and a focus‐group discussion were carried out with 18 participants involved in a six‐week SRT program in a residential care facility in Kuala Lumpur.

Results

Analysis revealed four themes: (i) Enthusiastic participation; (ii) Connections across boundaries; (iii) Expressing and reflecting; and (iv) Successful use of triggers.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the process of reminiscence, on which the program was based, was enjoyable for the participants and created opportunities to form connections with other members of the group. The use of relevant triggers in the SRT program that related to Malaysian cultures, ethnicities and religions was helpful to engage the participants and was acceptable across the different religions and ethnicities.
Assessment of haemoglobin measurement by several methods – blood gas analyser, capillary and venous HemoCue®, non‐invasive spectrophotometry and laboratory assay – in term and preterm infants
Authors: Wittenmeier E. , Lesmeister L. , Pirlich N. , Dette F. , Schmidtmann I. , Mildenberger E.
Published: November 2018

A laboratory haematology analyser is the gold standard for measuring haemoglobin concentration but has disadvantages, especially in neonates. This study compared alternative blood‐sparing and non‐invasive methods of haemoglobin concentration measurement with the gold standard. Haemoglobin concentrations were measured using a laboratory haematology analyser (reference method), blood gas analyser, HemoCue® using venous and capillary blood samples and a newly developed non‐invasive sensor for neonates < 3 kg. A total of 63 measurements were performed. Body weight (2190 (1820–2520 [967–4450]) g) and haemoglobin concentration (12.3 (10.6–15.2 [8.2–20.5]) g.dl−1) varied widely. Bias/limits of agreement between the alternative methods and reference method were −0.1/−1.2 to 1.0 g.dl−1 (blood gas analyser), −0.4/−1.8 to 1.1 g.dl−1 (HemoCue, venous blood), 0.7/−1.9 to 3.2 g.dl−1 (HemoCue, capillary blood) and −1.2/−4.3 to 2 g.dl−1 (non‐invasive haemoglobin measurement). Perfusion index, body weight and fetal haemoglobin concentration did not affect the accuracy of the alternative measurement methods, and these were successfully applied in term and preterm infants. However, the accuracies of non‐invasive haemoglobin measurement and HemoCue of capillary blood especially lacked sufficient agreement with that of the reference method to recommend these methods for clinical decision making.
Consistency and Balancing in Everyday Health Behaviour: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach
Authors: Dohle Simone , Hofmann Wilhelm
Published: November 2018

Background

Little is known about the sequential interplay of different health behaviours. Health behaviours may be connected in four different ways: a healthy behaviour may lead to a subsequent healthy or unhealthy behaviour (positive consistency and licensing, respectively), or an unhealthy behaviour may lead to a subsequent unhealthy or healthy behaviour (negative consistency and cleansing, respectively). In this study, these four possible types of sequential health behaviours were examined jointly in people's daily life.

Methods

The study used ecological momentary assessment. Participants (N = 235; 55% female; age 18–45) were randomly signalled five times daily on their smart phones for seven consecutive days. They reported both healthy and unhealthy behaviours that occurred within the past hour. Participants were also asked if the (healthy or unhealthy) behaviour was related to any previous healthy or unhealthy behaviour. In addition, they completed measures of life satisfaction, general health status, and compensatory health beliefs.

Results

Positive consistency predicted satisfaction with life, whereas negative consistency and cleansing negatively predicted general health status. Compensatory health beliefs were not related to actual cleansing or licensing behaviour.

Conclusions

Fostering positive consistency and discouraging cleansing behaviour should play a pivotal role in health promotion programmes.
Measuring species diversity in the tropics: a review of methodological approaches and framework for future studies
Authors: Moreno Claudia E. , Calderón‐Patrón Jaime M. , Martín‐Regalado Natalia , Martínez‐Falcón Ana P. , Ortega‐Martínez Ilse J. , Rios‐Díaz Cecilia L. , Rosas Fernando
Published: November 2018

The analysis of species diversity has benefited from multiple methodological approaches that are changing not only the way we measure biodiversity, but also our general conceptualization of it. We review the concepts and methods for measuring species diversity, including a report on how species diversity has been measured in tropical ecosystems, and summarize current methodological approaches that can be used to achieve more comprehensive analyses of species diversity. We reviewed papers dealing with species diversity published in Biotropica over the last 28 yr. Most of the studies were carried out in the Neotropics. The most popular methods for reporting alpha diversity were species accumulation curves, rarefaction curves, and the Shannon–Wiener index, while beta diversity assessments mainly relied on the Sørensen, Jaccard or Bray–Curtis indices. We offer a general framework for comprehensive biodiversity assessments that includes the alpha and beta components, and taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic dimensions. We briefly describe the conceptual background, relevant methods, and examples of the components, and dimensions described in this framework. To improve our knowledge of tropical biodiversity and its regulatory processes, we encourage researchers to carry out more complete assessments, and to take advantage of the wide variety of methods available; methods that are perhaps especially useful in human‐disturbed and human‐managed landscapes.
Predictors and benefits of microhabitat selection for offspring deposition in golden rocket frogs
Authors: Pettitt Beth A. , Bourne Godfrey R. , Bee Mark A.
Published: November 2018

In many tropical frogs, offspring development and survival potentially depend on microhabitat features associated with sites that parents select for oviposition and tadpole rearing. We investigated the importance of microhabitat features in the selection of oviposition sites versus tadpole rearing sites, as well as in determining offspring survival, in the golden rocket frog,Anomaloglossus beebei. Endemic to Guyana, this species exhibits biparental care and exclusively uses phytotelmata in bromeliads for oviposition and tadpole rearing. We used model‐based inference to evaluate evidence that parents prioritize different microhabitat features in selecting phytotelmata suitable for oviposition versus tadpole rearing and that microhabitat selection can adaptively promote offspring survival. For phytotelmata in 132 bromeliads, we quantified bromeliad size, phytotelm height, leaf angle (indicative of location within the bromeliad), water volume, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and the presence/absence of potential predators and nearby conspecifics. Compared to tadpole rearing sites, oviposition sites were found in phytotelmata associated with leaves at lower angles within bromeliads, smaller water volumes, lower water temperatures, higher dissolved oxygen concentrations, and more predatory crabs. Compared with unsuccessful egg clutches, successful clutches were found in phytotelmata with lower water temperatures, higher dissolved oxygen concentrations, fewer crabs, more dragonfly larvae, and more nearby conspecifics. We conclude that the nonrandom patterns of microhabitat use for oviposition sites and tadpole rearing sites in golden rocket frogs are associated with specific environmental factors that promote offspring survival through a critical stage of the animals’ complex life cycle.
Differences in nitrogen cycling between tropical dry forests with contrasting precipitation revealed by stable isotopes of nitrogen in plants and soils
Authors: Rivero‐Villar Anaitzi , Templer Pamela H. , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Campo Julio
Published: November 2018

Despite the known links between climate and biogeochemical cycling of N in tropical forests, fundamental knowledge of N cycling is still far from complete. Our objective was to ascertain differences in the N cycle of two tropical dry forests under contrasting precipitation regime (1240 or 642 mm of mean annual rainfall). To do so, we examined a short‐term metric of N cycling (N concentration) and a more integrated metric of N cycling (natural abundance15N) in plants and soils at both sites. At both the relatively wet and dry sites, N cycling associated with two non‐N2‐fixing species was compared to N cycling associated with two potential N2‐fixing species; all four tree species considered were dominant at both sites. The15N abundance in plants was highest in the site with low rainfall, showing that N losses from the system may be large. By contrast, short‐term N metrics did not vary with rainfall. Although there was a trend for leaf N concentration to be elevated in trees that have potential associations with N2‐fixers, only15N in the forest floor was significantly greater under trees with high canopy N (N2‐fixing species) than those with low canopy N (non‐N2‐fixing species). Within each site, the influence of N2‐fixing species on N cycling increased with a reduction in rainfall. Overall, our results demonstrate the role of climate as a driver of N cycling in the region, such that the projected decrease in precipitation in this region may lead to larger N losses in these forests. This study also shows how changes in tree species with and without N2‐fixing associations may impact N cycling in tropical dryland forests in the future.
Pyruvate secreted from patient‐derived cancer‐associated fibroblasts supports survival of primary lymphoma cells
Authors: Sakamoto Akihiko , Kunou Shunsuke , Shimada Kazuyuki , Tsunoda Makoto , Aoki Tomohiro , Iriyama Chisako , Tomita Akihiro , Nakamura Shigeo , Hayakawa Fumihiko , Kiyoi Hitoshi
Published: November 2018

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a key component in the tumor microenvironment and play functional roles in tumor metastasis and resistance to chemotherapies. We have previously reported that CAF isolated from lymphoma samples increase anaerobic glycolysis and decrease intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, promoting the survival of tumor cells. Herein, we analyzed the mechanisms underlying this support of tumor‐cell survival by CAF. As direct contact between lymphoma cells and CAF was not indispensable to survival support, we identified that the humoral factor pyruvate was significantly secreted by CAF. Moreover, survival of lymphoma cells was promoted by the presence of pyruvate, and this promotion was canceled by inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters. Metabolome analysis of lymphoma cells in coculture with CAF demonstrated that intermediates in the citric acid cycle were significantly increased, indicating that tumor cells produced energy by aerobic metabolism. These findings indicate that energy production in lymphoma cells is regulated in coordination not only with anaerobic glycolysis, but also with aerobic metabolism termed the reverse‐Warburg effect, involving the secretion of pyruvate from CAF resulting in increased use of the citric acid cycle in lymphoma cells.
T cell receptor β‐chain repertoire analysis of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cui Can , Tian Xiuyun , Wu Jianhui , Zhang Chaoting , Tan Qin , Guan Xiaoya , Dong Bin , Zhao Min , Lu Zheming , Hao Chunyi
Published: November 2018

Pancreatic cancer is lethal due to lack of perceptible symptoms and effective treatment methods. Immunotherapy may provide promising therapeutic choices for malignant tumors like pancreatic cancer. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in tumor mesenchyme could recognize peptide antigens presented on the surface of tumor cells. The present study aimed to test the relationship between the T cell receptor (TCR) β repertoire of the tumor and peripheral blood, and also to investigate the intra‐tumor spatial heterogeneity of the TCR β repertoire in pancreatic cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the clonal composition of TCR β repertoire in TIL across the spatial extent of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we studied 5 patients who were diagnosed with primary pancreatic cancer. Ultra‐deep sequencing was used to assess the rearrangement of the TCR β‐chain (TCR β) gene. HE staining and immunohistochemistry of CD3, CD4, CD8 and HLA class I were used to show histopathology and immune conditions macroscopically. TIL repertoire showed that different regions of the same tumor showed a greater number of repertoire overlaps between each other than between peripheral blood, which suggested that T cell clones in pancreatic cancer might be quite different from those in peripheral blood. In contrast, intra‐tumoral TCR β repertoires were spatially homogeneous between different regions of a single tumor tissue. Based on these results, we speculated that the cellular adaptive immune response in pancreatic cancer was spatially homogeneous; this may pave the way for immunotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
Perspectives of parents and nurses on the content validity of the Family Empowerment Scale for parents of children with a chronic condition: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Segers Elisabeth W. , van den Hoogen Agnes , van Eerden Irene C. , Hafsteinsdóttir Thora , Ketelaar Marjolijn
Published: November 2018

Background

Insight into parental empowerment is important to understanding the impact of health care policy and to supporting and strengthening parents in the care of their child. The Family Empowerment Scale (FES) is a valid 24‐item instrument that measures parental empowerment. It was originally developed for parents of children with emotional disabilities. It has been translated from English into Dutch.

Before using the translated FES in another context, the aim of this study was to assess the content validity of the Dutch FES in the context of children with a chronic condition in a children's hospital, according to parents and nurses.

Method

This content validity study has a convergent, mixed‐methods design. The content validity index was used to examine the relevance, according to 22 parents and 12 nurses quantitatively, on a scale and item level. The qualitative part assessed the comprehensiveness and comprehension of the FES through cognitive interviewing with eight parents and four nurses. The results of both analyses were converged to determine content validity.

Results

The scale‐content validity index was 0.88; three items scored < 0.78 on the item level. For 10 (of 24) items, issues were noticed about the tone and clarity of wording. Participants considered the FES to be not only an instrument of research but also an instrument that could be used to give insight into the personal degree of parental empowerment.

Conclusion

The content validity of the Dutch FES for parents of children with a chronic condition can be considered sufficient. Resolving some minor translation issues in some of the items is advised. The FES can be used in further research to examine the value of the FES in health care services, aiming to support the needs of parents and to increase their empowerment.
Robotic vs laparoscopic rectal tumour surgery: a cohort study
Authors: Asklid D. , Gerjy R. , Hjern F. , Pekkari K. , Gustafsson U. O.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare robotic and laparoscopic rectal surgery in terms of perioperative data, short‐term outcome and compliance to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Method

In this cohort study, 224 patients scheduled for rectal resection for cancer or adenoma between January 2011 and January 2017 were evaluated. In the first time period (12 January 2011 to 23 April 2014), 47 (46%) of 102 patients had laparoscopic surgery. In the second time period (24 April 2014 to 30 January 2017), 72 (59%) of 122 patients had robotic surgery. Perioperative data and short‐term outcome were collected from the ERAS database and patient charts. Data obtained from laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the two time periods studied were compared. Primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes were compliance to the ERAS protocol, difference in postoperative complications and conversion to open surgery.

Results

Compliance to the ERAS protocol was 81.1% in the robotic group and 83.4% in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.890). Robotic surgery was associated with shorter median LOS (3 days vs 7 days, P < 0.001), lower conversion rate (11.1% vs 34.0%, P = 0.002), lower rate of postoperative complications (25% vs 49%, P < 0.01) and longer duration of surgery (5.8 h vs 4.5 h, P < 0.001). The differences remained after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery was associated with shorter LOS, lower conversion rates and fewer postoperative complications compared with laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery may add benefits to the ERAS protocol.
Evaluation of Drug–Drug Interactions of Rucaparib and CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A, and P‐gp Substrates in Patients With an Advanced Solid Tumor
Authors: Xiao Jim J. , Nowak Dorota , Ramlau Rodryg , Tomaszewska‐Kiecana Monika , Wysocki Piotr J. , Isaacson Jeff , Beltman Jeri , Nash Eileen , Kaczanowski Robert , Arold Gerhard , Watkins Simon
Published: November 2018

This phase I study (CO‐338‐044; NCT02740712), conducted in patients with advanced solid tumors, evaluated the effect of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor rucaparib on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of caffeine 200 mg, warfarin 10 mg, omeprazole 40 mg, and midazolam 2 mg (cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A substrates; dosed as a cocktail) and digoxin 0.25 mg (P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate; dosed separately) without rucaparib and following oral rucaparib 600 mg b.i.d. Geometric mean (GM) ratios (90% confidence interval (CI)) of area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time zero to last quantifiable measurement with and without rucaparib were: caffeine, 2.26 (1.93–2.65); S‐warfarin, 1.49 (1.40–1.58); omeprazole, 1.55 (1.32–1.83); midazolam, 1.39 (1.14–1.68); and digoxin, 1.20 (1.12–1.29). There was limited effect on peak concentration of the substrates (GM ratios, 0.99–1.13). At steady state, rucaparib 600 mg b.i.d. moderately inhibited CYP1A2, weakly inhibited CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A, and marginally increased digoxin exposure.
Intergenerational transmission of attentional bias and anxiety
Authors: Aktar Evin , Van Bockstaele Bram , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly , Wiers Reinout W. , Bögels Susan M.
Published: November 2018

Earlier evidence has revealed a bi‐directional causal relationship between anxiety and attention biases in adults and children. This study investigated the prospective and concurrent relations between anxiety and attentional bias in a sample of 89 families (mothers, fathers, and first‐born children). Parents’ and children's attentional bias was measured when children were 7.5 years old, using both a visual probe task and visual search task with angry versus happy facial expressions. Generalized and social anxiety symptoms in parents and children were measured when children were 4.5 and 7.5 years old. Anxiety in parents and children was prospectively (but not concurrently) related to their respective attentional biases to threat: All participants showed a larger attentional bias to threat in the visual search (but not in the visual probe) task if they were more anxious at the 4.5 (but not at the 7.5) year measurement. Moreover, parents’ anxiety levels were prospectively predictive of the visual search attentional bias of their children after controlling for child anxiety. More anxiety in mothers at 4.5 years was related to a faster detection of angry among happy faces, while more anxiety in fathers predicted a faster detection of happy among angry faces in children at 7.5 years. We found no direct association between parental and child attentional biases. Our study contributes to the recently emerging literature on attentional biases as a potential mechanism in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety by showing that parents’ anxiety rather than parents’ attentional bias contributes to the intergenerational transmission of risk for child anxiety.
Carbohydrate restriction for glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McArdle P. D. , Greenfield S. M. , Rilstone S. K. , Narendran P. , Haque M. S. , Gill P. S.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate restriction on glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL for the period between 1976 and April 2018. We included randomized controlled trials comparing carbohydrate restriction with a control diet which aimed to maintain or increase carbohydrate intake, and that reported HbA1c as an outcome and reported the amount of carbohydrate consumed during or at the end of the study, with outcomes reported at ≥3 months.

Results

We identified 1402 randomized controlled trials, 25 of which met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 2132 participants for the main outcome. Definitions of low carbohydrate varied among the studies. The pooled effect estimate from meta‐analysis was a weighted mean difference of –0.09% [95% CI –0.27, 0.08 (P = 0.30); I2 72% (P <0.001)], suggesting no effect on HbA1c of restricting the quantity of carbohydrate. A subgroup analysis of diets containing 50–130 g carbohydrate resulted in a pooled effect estimate of –0.49% [95% CI –0.75, –0.23 (P <0.001); I2 0% (P = 0.56)], suggesting a clinically and statistically significant effect on HbA1c in favour of low‐carbohydrate diets in studies of ≤6 months’ duration.

Conclusions

There was no overall pooled effect on HbA1c in favour of restricting carbohydrate; however, restriction of carbohydrate to 50–130 g per day had beneficial effects on HbA1c in trials up to 6 months. Future randomized controlled trials should be of >12 months’ duration, assess pre‐study carbohydrate intake, use recognized definitions of low‐carbohydrate diets and examine reasons for non‐adherence to prescribed diets in greater detail.
Associations of dietary macronutrient and fibre intake with glycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ahola A. J. , Harjutsalo V. , Forsblom C. , Saraheimo M. , Groop P.‐H. ,   on behalf of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study
Published: November 2018

Aims

To study the association between dietary intake and glycaemia in Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Data on energy and nutrient intakes, and the mean and coefficient of variation of self‐monitored blood glucose measurements were obtained from records completed by 1000 adults with Type 1 diabetes. Associations between these measures of glycaemia and dietary intake were investigated using generalized linear regression, with and without macronutrient substitution.

Results

In the first set of analyses, fibre intake was associated with lower mean self‐monitored blood glucose values (β = –0.428, 95% CI –0.624 to –0.231; P<0.001). In these same analyses, carbohydrate (β = 0.011, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.020; P=0.014), alcohol (β = 0.013, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.023; P=0.009) and monounsaturated fatty acid intakes (β=0.012, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.023; P=0.029) were associated with higher variability in blood glucose measurements. In the macronutrient substitution analyses, substituting proteins for either carbohydrates (β = –0.026, 95% CI –0.040 to –0.013; P<0.001), fats (β = –0.018, 95% CI –0.033 to –0.004; P=0.014), or alcohol (β = –0.026, 95% CI –0.045 to –0.006; P=0.010), or fats for carbohydrates (β=–0.009, 95% CI –0.017 to –0.001; P=0.030), were all associated with lower variability in the measured blood glucose values. After adjusting for fibre intake, no significant results were observed in analyses of mean self‐monitored blood glucose.

Conclusions

This observational, cross‐sectional study indicates that dietary fibre is associated with lower mean blood glucose concentrations in people with Type 1 diabetes. Glycaemic excursions were reduced when protein was substituted for other macronutrients and when fat replaced carbohydrate, after adjusting for fibre intake.
A rare complication of acute myocardial infarction: Intra‐myocardial dissecting hematoma
Authors: Kulkarni Suraj Kumar , Rangan Kapil , P Beeresh
Published: November 2018

A rare and unusual form of myocardial rupture that can complicate acute myocardial infarction is intra‐myocardial dissecting hematoma (IDH). Reports in the literature describing this entity are limited to case reports or series. The diagnosis prior to the advent of noninvasive imaging was at autopsy. We present a case of IDH occurring after acute anterior wall myocardial infarction that terminated fatally preceded by a hemodynamically unstable incessant ventricular tachycardia.
Bone marrow mononuclear cell telomere length in acute myeloid leukaemia and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Warny Marie , Helby Jens , Sengeløv Henrik , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Birgens Henrik , Bojesen Stig E.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Short telomere length is a known risk factor for developing clonal haematopoietic stem cell disorders, probably due to chromosomal instability. We tested the hypotheses that bone marrow mononuclear cell telomere length change from diagnosis through chemotherapy‐induced remission and relapse, and that long telomere length is associated with low risk of relapse and all‐cause mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

Methods

We measured telomere length in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 233 patients at diagnosis, 112 patients at chemotherapy‐induced remission and 58 patients at relapse of disease.

Results

In patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome, bone marrow mononuclear cell telomere length was similar at diagnosis and relapse, but increased after chemotherapy‐induced remission. Furthermore, bone marrow mononuclear cell telomere length was longer in patients with higher age at diagnosis. There was no association between telomere length at diagnosis, remission or relapse and all‐cause mortality, nor did we find any association between telomere length at diagnosis or remission and risk of relapse.

Conclusion

In patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome, bone marrow mononuclear cell telomere length increased from diagnosis to remission. Furthermore, telomere length paradoxically was longer at higher age at diagnosis, even after adjusting for known risk factors of disease severity. Finally, we did not detect any prognostic information in telomere length.
Age‐related deterioration of motor function in male and female 5xFAD mice from 3 to 16 months of age
Authors: O'Leary Timothy P. , Mantolino Hector M. , Stover Kurt R. , Brown Richard E.
Published: November 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to age‐related cognitive and sensori‐motor dysfunction. There is an increased understanding that motor dysfunction contributes to overall AD severity, and a need to ameliorate these impairments. The 5xFAD mouse develops the neuropathology, cognitive and motor impairments observed in AD, and thus may be a valuable animal model to study motor deficits in AD. Therefore, we assessed age‐related changes in motor ability of male and female 5xFAD mice from 3 to 16 months of age, using a battery of behavioral tests. At 9‐10 months, 5xFAD mice showed reduced body weight, reduced rearing in the open‐field and impaired performance on the rotarod compared to wild‐type controls. At 12‐13 months, 5xFAD mice showed reduced locomotor activity on the open‐field, and impaired balance on the balance beam. At 15‐16 months, impairments were also seen in grip strength. Although sex differences were observed at specific ages, the development of motor dysfunction was similar in male and female mice. Given the 5xFAD mouse is commonly on a C57BL/6 × SJL hybrid background, a subset of mice may be homozygous recessive for theDysfimmutant allele, which leads to muscular weakness in SJL mice and may exacerbate motor dysfunction. We found small effects ofDysfimon motor function, suggesting thatDysfimcontributes little to motor dysfunction in 5xFAD mice. We conclude that the 5xFAD mouse may be a useful model to study mechanisms that produce motor dysfunction in AD, and to assess the efficacy of therapeutics on ameliorating motor impairment.
The “healthy dose” of nature: A cautionary tale
Authors: Bell Sarah L. , Leyshon Catherine , Foley Ronan , Kearns Robin A.
Published: November 2018

Growing cross‐disciplinary interest in understanding if, how, and why time spent with nature can contribute to human health and well‐being has recently prompted efforts to identify an ideal healthy dose of nature; exposure to a specific type of nature at a specified frequency and duration. These efforts build on longstanding attempts to prescribe nature in some way, most recently in the form of so‐called “green prescriptions.” In this critical discussion paper, we draw on key examples from within the fields of health and cultural geography to encourage deeper and more critical reflection on the value of such reductionist dose‐response frameworks. By foregrounding the relationally emergent qualities of people's dynamic nature encounters, we suggest such efforts may be both illusory and potentially exclusionary for the many individuals and groups whose healthy nature interactions diverge from the statistical average or “normal” way of being. We suggest value in working towards alternative more‐than‐human approaches to health and well‐being, drawing on posthumanist theories of social practice. We present two practice examples—beach‐going and citizen science—to demonstrate how a focus on social practices can better cater for the diverse and dynamic ways in which people come to conceptualise, embody, and interpret nature in their everyday lives. We close by reflecting on the wider societal transformations required to foster greater respect for embodied difference and diversity.
Why are migrant campaigns different from homeland campaigns? Understanding belonging in context among UK‐Sudanese activists
Authors: WILCOCK CATHY
Published: November 2018

Migrant communities' homeland‐oriented political campaigns are always related to, but often different from, the activism in which local people engage in their homeland setting. In seeking to understand the observed disparities between migrant campaigns and homeland activism, several studies have demonstrated the influence of contextual factors like political opportunity structures on homeland‐oriented migrant politics. Complementing these studies are works that focus on changes to identity and belonging associated with migration and resettlement. In this article, I build on these debates by offering a combined analysis of the intersections between, and interplay of, contextual and identity‐based factors. I use this analytical approach to examine the case of Sudanese political activists resident in the UK. I demonstrate how forms of belonging emerge here as part of – and not in isolation from – the strategic navigations of multiple political contexts and opportunities. In doing so, I contribute to our understanding of how belonging can be contextualized to serve as an analytical lens for understanding homeland‐oriented migrant activism.
Measurement of joint health in persons with haemophilia: A systematic review of the measurement properties of haemophilia‐specific instruments
Authors: Gouw Samantha C. , Timmer Merel A. , Srivastava Alok , de Kleijn Piet , Hilliard Pamela , Peters Marjolein , Blanchette Victor , Fischer Kathelijn
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Accurate assessment of joint health in persons with haemophilia is crucial. Several haemophilia‐specific measurement tools are available, but an overview of the measurement properties is lacking.

Aim

To provide an overview of the measurement properties of haemophilia‐specific measurement tools to assess clinical joint health.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for reports on reliability, validity or responsiveness of the World Federation of Haemophilia Orthopedic Joint Score (WFH), Colorado Physical Examination Score (CPE), joint examination score by Petrini (PJS) and Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using an adapted COSMIN checklist.

Results

The search yielded 2905 unique hits, and 98 papers were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was limited. The HJHS was studied most extensively, which yielded limited evidence for good internal consistency and structural validity, moderate evidence for hypothesis testing in adults and conflicting evidence for hypothesis testing in children. Reliability, measurement error and responsiveness were rated unknown due to low COSMIN scores. For the CPE and PJS, we found limited to moderate evidence for good responsiveness and conflicting evidence for hypothesis testing.

Conclusion

Only patchy evidence is available on the quality of measurement properties of all haemophilia‐specific joint health scores. Although significant gaps in the evidence for all instruments remain, measurement properties of the HJHS were most extensively studied and show no drawbacks for use in clinical practice. This review forms the basis for further research aimed at the assessment of measurement properties of measurement tools to assess joint health.
Incidence of Persistent Headache at 18 Months Following Accidental Dural Puncture in the Obstetric Population: A Prospective Service Evaluation in 45 Patients
Authors: Gauthama Priya , Kelkar Aditi , Basar Siti M.A. , Niraj G.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of the prospective longitudinal service evaluation was to reveal the incidence of persistent headache at 18 months following accidental dural puncture with a 16‐gauge Tuohy needle. This followed an observation that a subset of female patients was presenting to the local pain medicine clinic with persistent headache following an accidental dural puncture.

Background

Two thirds of patients with an accidental dural puncture develop post dural puncture headache that is believed to be a self‐limiting condition. There is emerging evidence from retrospective studies that post dural puncture headache can result in persistent headache.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal service evaluation in obstetric patients who suffered an accidental dural puncture headache. Patients provided written consent for telephone follow‐up at 6, 12, and 18 months. Patients reporting persistent headache were reviewed at a pain medicine clinic for further investigations and management.

Results

Over an 18‐month period, 45 patients suffered accidental dural puncture. Five patients declined consent. One patient was lost to follow‐up. Of the 39 patients who completed follow‐up, 12 patients (30%) reported persistent headache at 18 months. Six patients reported new onset headache while 6 patients reported worsening of pre‐existing headache.

Conclusion

Post dural puncture headache from an accidental dural puncture can no longer be considered a self‐limiting condition. Current evidence probably mandates the addition of persistent headache as one of the potential complications of an epidural insertion during informed consent process.
Use of the Internet as a source for reproductive health information seeking among adolescent girls in secondary schools in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Ibegbulam Ijeoma J. , Akpom Chinwendu C. , Enem Fidelia N. , Onyam Dora I.
Published: November 2018

Background

Adolescent female students should be provided opportunities to access reproductive health information to navigate this period of development successfully. Examining the use of the Internet for accessing reproductive health information by this group will provide useful information on their information needs and seeking behaviour.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the Internet for reproductive health information among adolescent female students in secondary schools in Enugu, Nigeria.

Method

This descriptive study was conducted on adolescent female students in six secondary schools in Enugu urban. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. A total of 120 adolescent female students participated in the study.

Findings

The adolescent female students use the Internet to seek for information on general see education (n = 120, 100%), sexual hygiene (n = 71, 59%), abstinence from premarital sex (n = 68, 57%), avoidance of sexual abuse (n = 67, 56%). Their preference for the Internet include its privacy (n = 115, 96%) and wealth of information (n = 111, 92%).

Conclusions

Adolescent female students use the Internet to meet their reproductive health information needs. Access to the Internet should be enhanced for this group.