bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of appraisal theories of emotions in the case of consumer confusion
Authors: Anninou Ioanna
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a novel framework of consumer confusion based on the appraisal theories of emotions. Extant theoretical and empirical evidence on confusion continues to be vague on the connection between the emotional dimensions and behavioural consequences. The appraisal theories of emotions can help to expand the field of inquiry which is related to the topic of consumer confusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A concept-centric review of 112 publications on consumer confusion and research on emotions provides an integrative critical analysis of the nature of confusion and extends the literature. The review demonstrates that past research has advanced the understanding but not sufficiently explained all of the processes implicated in consumer confusion.

Findings

On the above grounds, the paper suggests that although confusion is environmentally driven, it can be seen as a dynamic process implicating two levels of consumer appraisals. Uncertainty/lack of understanding, goal inconsistency and motivational state form the basis of confusion; agency attribution and coping potential are, however, shaping the development of subsequent emotions and ultimately the expectations on consumer behaviour. Considered as a dynamic process, confusion has coping and behavioural implications. At the most central level, the importance of agency (or attribution) and coping potential is highlighted and the way these appraisals lead to different emotions and behaviours is discussed.

Originality/value

The paper advances extant consumer decision-making literature and proposes diverse emotions that are associated with the experience of confusion, behaviours that are expected, along with marketing implications and actions required for each of them.
Stockholdings of first-time and more experienced investors
Authors: Baker Kent , De Ridder Adri , De Vries Annalien
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether socio-economic factors influence portfolio composition of individual investors investing in stocks for the first time and how these factors relate to stock portfolio performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cross-sectional time-series analysis to examine a unique and detailed data set of Swedish stockholdings.

Findings

The results show that first-time investors do not hold diversified portfolios. They experience high market risk and, on average, underperform more experienced investors. Males have higher unsystematic risk in their portfolios than females and older investors have more diversified portfolios compared to younger investors.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that individual investors should improve their insights by incorporating risk when investing in stocks.

Practical implications

Given the results of this paper, the movement from defined benefit to defined contribution pension schemes in many countries raises the issue of the need to better understand and monitor the risks in stock portfolios.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into whether socio-economic factors influence portfolio composition, the extent to which socio-economic factors and portfolio characteristics relate to portfolio returns, and whether portfolio performance between first-time and more experienced investors differs.
Exploring exemplars in elementary teacher education
Authors: Dobrick Alison Asher , Fattal Laura
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Educators who teach for social justice connect what and how they teach in the classroom directly to humanity’s critical problems. Teacher education at the elementary level must center such themes of social justice in order to prepare today’s teachers to lead their students in developing an understanding of how to make the world a better place to live. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents three case studies of exemplary, pre-service teacher-created lessons that integrate the arts, social studies, and language arts around themes of social justice. Teacher-candidates envisioned, planned and taught effective, engaging, standards-based learning experiences that began with children’s literature and led to artistic expression.

Findings

Through lessons like these, teacher-candidates learned to meet arts, social studies, and literacy standards while building the skills and attitudes their students need as “citizens of the world.”

Research limitations/implications

Elementary teacher education programs can help teacher-candidates to prepare for the challenge of teaching for social justice by integrating the arts with core academic areas, including social studies.

Practical implications

This integrated model suitably serves our current, mathematics- and literacy-focused, assessment-saturated school system. Pre-service teachers learn to plan and teach integrated learning activities. They learn practical ways to infuse the arts in both their field experience and future classrooms.

Social implications

When the arts are central in education, students benefit in numerous important ways, developing critical and creative thinking skills, empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to collaborate with others productively. The arts, essential to humanity since the dawn of civilization, thus serve as a natural focal point for education for social justice.

Originality/value

The innovative methods involved in this study, in which subject areas throughout the elementary teacher education program are integrated in one meaningful, practical, applied lesson on social justice, represent a practical, original, and valuable way to enhance teacher education programs’ focus on social justice.
Cultivating the collective: exploring the American dream with sixth graders
Authors: Montgomery Sarah Elizabeth , Montgomery Zak K. , Vander Zanden Sarah , Jorgensen Ashley , Rudic Mirsa
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The concept of an American Dream was interrogated during a service-learning partnership between university students and a multilingual, racially diverse class of sixth graders. The one-on-one service-learning partnerships were at the heart of the semester-long project and sought horizontalidad, or non-authoritarian democratic communication and shared knowledge creation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This project leveraged the arts and humanities within the context of social studies education to promote youth civic engagement. This project used Photovoice methodology in which all participants took photos and wrote about their American Dream. Participants then shared their photography and writing at three public gallery events in the community in an effort to educate others about their perspectives, experiences, and hopes regarding the American Dream.

Findings

Findings from the reciprocally minded partnership centered on the sixth-grade students taking a collective approach to the American Dream. Specifically, they noted their commitment to their families and desire to support others, with some sixth graders even sharing a commitment to promoting social justice. Some participants demonstrated a “we consciousness,” or a collective approach to social justice.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into how educators can engage middle school students in democratic practice as active citizens in a service-learning partnership. Through a service-learning themed project about the American Dream, middle school students were able to share their voices and experiences with the larger community via a project rooted in horizontalidad.
“It’s not something we thought about”: teachers’ perception of historiography and narratives
Authors: Brown Sarah Drake , Hughes Richard L.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine three high school teachers’ beliefs about how their understanding of historiography influences their teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors engaged in a qualitative multiple-case study based on semi-structured interviews and artifact analysis.

Findings

The analysis describes the teachers’ understanding of historiography in relation to ideas about historical perspective-taking, textbook use, the incorporation of primary sources in the classroom, and tensions between teaching content and teaching skills. The study concludes that while undergraduate exposure to historiography is potentially useful and can help history teachers manage the complexity of the profession, drawing upon historiographical understandings in order to recognize the construction of historical narratives in the classroom remains a persistent challenge.

Originality/value

Much of the work addressing the potential role of historiographical understanding for teachers has focused on teacher preparation and the ideas held by teaching candidates. This research emphasizes experienced teachers’ beliefs about the role that historiography plays in their teaching.
Zero‐Rating versus Cash Transfers under the VAT
Authors: van Oordt Marius
Published: April 2018

To reduce the tax burden on the poor, nearly every VAT system allows for special treatment of certain goods or services. Zero‐rating the supply of certain foodstuffs is a prominent example of this practice. Using data on South Africa, this paper considers whether taxing foodstuffs alongside compensating cash transfers may be preferred to zero‐rating foodstuffs in a developing country context. The results show that cash transfers may be preferred if all the additional revenue from eliminating the zero rate can be earmarked and government is perfectly efficient. In the likely absence of earmarking and perfect efficiency, developing countries may need to apply special treatment to some foodstuffs to protect the poor. If this is the case, it is proposed that zero‐rating can be preferred to the exemption of certain foodstuffs.
Testing associations between cannabis use and subcortical volumes in two large population‐based samples
Authors: Gillespie Nathan A. , Neale Michael C. , Bates Timothy C. , Eyler Lisa T. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Vassileva Jasmin , Lyons Michael J. , Prom‐Wormley Elizabeth C. , McMahon Katie L. , Thompson Paul M. , de Zubicaray Greig , Hickie Ian B. , McGrath John J. , Strike Lachlan T. , Rentería Miguel E. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Martin Nicholas G. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S. , Wright Margaret J.
Published: April 2018

Background and aims

Disentangling the putative impact of cannabis on brain morphology from other comorbid substance use is critical. After controlling for the effects of nicotine, alcohol and multi‐substance use, this study aimed to determine whether frequent cannabis use is associated with significantly smaller subcortical grey matter volumes.

Design

Exploratory analyses using mixed linear models, one per region of interest (ROI), were performed whereby individual differences in volume (outcome) at seven subcortical ROIs were regressed onto cannabis and comorbid substance use (predictors).

Setting

Two large population‐based twin samples from the United States and Australia.

Participants

A total of 622 young Australian adults [66% female; μage = 25.9, standard deviation SD) = 3.6] and 474 middle‐aged US males (μage = 56.1SD = 2.6) of predominately Anglo‐Saxon ancestry with complete substance use and imaging data. Subjects with a history of stroke or traumatic brain injury were excluded.

Measurements

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volumetric segmentation methods were used to estimate volume in seven subcortical ROIs: thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala and nucleus accumbens. Substance use measurements included maximum nicotine and alcohol use, total life‐time multi‐substance use, maximum cannabis use in the young adults and regular cannabis use in the middle‐aged males.

Findings

After correcting for multiple testing (P = 0.007), cannabis use was unrelated to any subcortical ROI. However, maximum nicotine use was associated with significantly smaller thalamus volumes in middle‐aged males.

Conclusions

In exploratory analyses based on young adult and middle‐aged samples, normal variation in cannabis use is unrelated statistically to individual differences in brain morphology as measured by subcortical volume.
Virus‐neutralising antibody responses in horses following vaccination with Equivac® HeV: a field study
Authors: Tan RHH , Hodge A , Klein R , Edwards N , Huang JA , Middleton D , Watts SP
Published: April 2018

Objective

To determine the antibody responses to a commercial Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac® HeV) in a field environment.

Methods

A group of 61 horses received a primary vaccination course comprising two doses administered 3–6 weeks apart (V1, V2) and a 3rd dose (V3) given 6 months after the second. This was followed by booster vaccinations at 12 monthly intervals (V4, V5). Antibody titres were assessed using a virus‐neutralisation test.

Results

Neutralising antibodies against HeV were not detected prior to vaccination. Antibodies were detected in 54/57 horses at 3 weeks after V1 and 51/51 had titres ≥ 32 at 8 weeks after V2. At 6 months after V2, antibody titres decreased in most (31/34) horses and were not detected in three horses. A rapid increase in antibody titres was recorded in 35/36 horses at 1 week following V3. By the first annual booster vaccination (V4), antibodies were still detectable in 29/29 horses, although titres had decreased; in 26/29 horses, titres remained ≥ 32. All horses showed an increase in antibody titres after V4. There was no statistically significant increase in mean antibody titre after V5, compared with after V4.

Conclusion

Horses administered Equivac® HeV, using a primary vaccination course followed by annual booster vaccinations, mounted an effective secondary immune response and acquired antibody responses that were consistent with protective immunity against HeV in the form of virus‐neutralising antibodies. No adverse events were observed after vaccine administration.
Older and wiser? Changes in unprofessional content on urologists’ social media after transition from residency to practice
Authors: Koo Kevin , Bowman Max S. , Ficko Zita , Gormley E. Ann
Published: April 2018

Objective

To characterize changes in the frequency and nature of unprofessional content on urologists’ Facebook accounts during the transition from residency to practice.

Methods

Facebook was queried with the names of all 2015 US urology graduates 1 year after completion of residency. We identified unprofessional and potentially objectionable content on the public Facebook accounts using a rubric based on professionalism guidelines by the American Urological Association, the American Medical Association and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Comparisons of unprofessional content were made with data from this cohort collected at the completion of residency. To assess how professional identities were reflected on social media, we determined which urologists self‐identified as a urologist on Facebook and any changes in their unprofessional content.

Results

Of 281 urologists, 198 (70%) had publicly identifiable Facebook accounts. Of these, 85 (43%) contained any unprofessional or potentially objectionable content, including 35 (18%) with explicitly unprofessional content. Examples included images of and references to intoxication, explicit profanity, and offensive comments about patients. Of the 201 Facebook accounts that had been publicly identifiable at the completion of residency, most profiles (182, 91%) had remained public; of the 19 that were no longer public, about half had previously contained unprofessional content. Similarly, of the 80 urologists without public profiles 1 year previously, most (64, 80%) had remained unidentifiable on Facebook; of the 16 accounts that had since become publicly identifiable, half had unprofessional content. Among the urologists on Facebook overall, 11 (6%) had posted new unprofessional or potentially objectionable content since entering practice. Comparing this cohort in practice vs at the completion of residency, there were no significant differences in how many urologists had public Facebook accounts (70% vs 71%) or whose accounts had concerning content (43% vs 40%). The presence of unprofessional content at the completion of residency strongly predicted having unprofessional content later in practice. More urologists overall self‐identified as being a urologist on Facebook, and a larger proportion of these profiles also displayed unprofessional content (53% vs 47% 1 year previously).

Conclusion

Most urologists maintained public Facebook accounts after the transition to practice, and about half of these contained unprofessional or potentially objectionable content. Amidst their increasing self‐identification as urologists on social media, the majority of practising urologists had posted concerning content, which could have an impact on their professional identities and public perceptions of the specialty.
Using tweets to understand changes in the spatial crime distribution for hockey events in Vancouver
Authors: Ristea Alina , Andresen Martin A. , Leitner Michael
Published: April 2018

The use of social media data for the spatial analysis of crime patterns during social events has proven to be instructive. This study analyzes the geography of crime considering hockey game days, criminal behaviour, and Twitter activity. Specifically, we consider the relationship between geolocated crime‐related Twitter activity and crime. We analyze six property crime types that are aggregated to the dissemination area base unit in Vancouver, for two hockey seasons through a game and non‐game temporal resolution. Using the same method, geolocated Twitter messages and environmental variables are aggregated to dissemination areas. We employ spatial clustering, dictionary‐based mining for tweets, spatial autocorrelation, and global and local regression models (spatial lag and geographically weighted regression). Findings show an important influence of Twitter data for theft‐from‐vehicle and mischief, mostly on hockey game days. Relationships from the geographically weighted regression models indicate that tweets are a valuable independent variable that can be used in explaining and understanding crime patterns.
Investigation of maxillofacial morphology and oral characteristics with Turner syndrome and early mixed dentition
Authors: Ahiko Nozomi , Baba Yoshiyuki , Tsuji Michiko , Horikawa Reiko , Moriyama Keiji
Published: April 2018

Turner syndrome is associated with an X chromosome abnormality in women and is characterized by infantilism, congenital webbed neck, and cubitus valgus. The aim of this study was to determine the maxillofacial morphology and oral characteristics of Japanese girls (mean age, 8.5 years) with Turner syndrome and early mixed dentition. Lateral cephalograms obtained at the first visit were used to analyze maxillofacial morphology. Oral characteristics were identified using orthopantomograms, intraoral photographs, and study casts. All patients received growth hormone. Lateral cephalograms showed a retrognathic maxilla and mandible and a small gonial angle. Nine patients had a high‐arched palate. Nine patients had class II first molar relationship occlusion and one had mesial step‐type occlusion. Three patients showed ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar accompanied by resorption of the maxillary second primary molar. Eruption of the permanent teeth tended to occur early. The median mesiodistal diameter of the maxillary central incisor was smaller than the Japanese norm. Ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar may be caused by lack of eruption space and a discrepancy between bone growth and timing of tooth maturation.
The functional outcome of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence can be improved by using lead model 3889 and a standardized implantation technique
Authors: Duelund‐Jakobsen J. , Laurberg S. , Lundby L.
Published: April 2018

Aim

Sacral nerve stimulation has been recognized as an effective treatment option for faecal incontinence when conservative therapy has failed. Refinement of the procedural technique and the use of a curved stylet may improve the functional outcome. Our aim was to explore the relationship between lead model, functional outcome, stimulation amplitude and the need for extra visits during the first year of follow‐up.

Method

Patient data from May 2009 to February 2017, which were prospectively collected in a local database, were extracted and analysed for differences between lead model and improvement in incontinence scores, stimulation amplitude and the need for additional visits during the first year of follow‐up.

Results

A foramen lead model 3093(straight stylet) was used in 134 patients and lead model 3889(curved stylet) was used in 40 patients. There were no differences in baseline characteristics or incontinence scores. Comparing results between the two lead models we found that the improvement (delta value) in the Wexner score at 6 months’ follow‐up (P = 0.05) and the St Mark's score at 12 months’ follow‐up (P = 0.02) was greater in patients implanted with lead model 3889(curved stylet) compared with patients implanted with lead model 3093(straight stylet). Patients implanted with lead model 3889 (curved stylet) were less likely to have to alter the stimulation amplitude or pole configuration during the first year of follow‐up (P = 0.04). No difference was found for stimulation amplitude (P = 0.170) or the need for additional visits (P = 0.663).

Conclusion

Lead model 3889 (curved stylet) improves functional results compared with lead model 3093 (straight stylet) during the first year of follow‐up. Lead model 3889 (curved stylet) reduces the need for reprogramming but has no influence on stimulation amplitude or the number of additional visits required.
Children imitate antisocial in‐group members
Authors: Wilks Matti , Kirby James , Nielsen Mark
Published: April 2018

Children demonstrate a pervasive in‐group bias, preferring their in‐group across a range of contexts that encompass measures of liking, imitation, and, in some cases, resource allocation. A growing number of studies have begun to explore whether antisocial in‐group behavior reduces the robustness of this bias. However, these studies have focused on transgression evaluations, with only two studies focusing on social learning and none explicitly on imitation. This, therefore, limits the extent to which children's responses to interaction between in‐group bias and antisocial behavior can be fully understood. The current research expands on the prevailing literature, utilizing imitation as a behavioral measure to explore the reactions of children aged 4–5 and 7–8 years in response to antisocial in‐group behavior. Consistent with previous literature, antisocial in‐group behavior reduced in‐group liking ratings. Surprisingly, however, children's behavioral imitation preferences were guided solely by group membership, disregarding prosocial or antisocial behavior. These results indicate that children's explicitly reported social preferences and imitative preferences may be motivated by two independent drives.
Culture of the human pilosebaceous unit, hair follicle and sebaceous gland
Authors: Philpott Michael P.
Published: April 2018

Terence Kealey first pioneered the isolation and organ maintenance of human eccrine and sebaceous glands in the early to mid‐1980. This led to subsequent methods describing the isolation and culture of human hair follicles, the human pilosebaceous unit as well as the sebaceous duct. The importance of these models in the study of the biology of human skin glands and appendages has been demonstrated in numerous publications and their importance as models for animal replacement, refinement and reduction (3Rs) is increasingly important. In particular, in vitro (ex vivo) hair follicle culture has played a significant part in helping elucidate the role of signalling molecules in regulating hair growth and hair fibre formation and has been especially useful in understanding metabolic aspects of hair growth. However, obtaining sufficient numbers of hair follicles is becoming increasingly difficult as plastic surgery becomes less invasive and smaller skin samples provided. There is therefore an urgent requirement for the next generation of in vitro models using cell lines and tissue engineering, and this has led to the development of immortalised cell lines as well as attempts to model hair follicle embryogenesis in vitro and development of skin on a chip.
The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor VAL68MET polymorphism modulates how developmental ethanol exposure impacts the hippocampus
Authors: Bird C. W. , Baculis B. C. , Mayfield J. J. , Chavez G. J. , Ontiveros T. , Paine D. J. , Marks A. J. , Gonzales A. L. , Ron D. , Valenzuela C. F.
Published: April 2018

Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes a wide range of deficits known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Many factors determine vulnerability to developmental alcohol exposure including timing and pattern of exposure, nutrition and genetics. Here, we characterized how a prevalent single nucleotide polymorphism in the human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (val66met) modulates FASDs severity. This polymorphism disrupts BDNF's intracellular trafficking and activity‐dependent secretion, and has been linked to increased incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. We hypothesized that developmental ethanol (EtOH) exposure more severely affects mice carrying this polymorphism. We used transgenic mice homozygous for either valine (BDNFval/val) or methionine (BDNFmet/met) in residue 68, equivalent to residue 66 in humans. To model EtOH exposure during the second and third trimesters of human pregnancy, we exposed mice to EtOH in vapor chambers during gestational days 12 to 19 and postnatal days 2 to 9. We found that EtOH exposure reduces cell layer volume in the dentate gyrus and the CA1 hippocampal regions of BDNFmet/met but not BDNFval/val mice during the juvenile period (postnatal day 15). During adulthood, EtOH exposure reduced anxiety‐like behavior and disrupted trace fear conditioning in BDNFmet/met mice, with most effects observed in males. EtOH exposure reduced adult neurogenesis only in the ventral hippocampus of BDNFval/val male mice. These studies show that the BDNF val66met polymorphism modulates, in a complex manner, the effects of developmental EtOH exposure, and identify a novel genetic risk factor that may regulate FASDs severity in humans.
Confusion About “Convection”!
Authors: Ataie‐Ashtiani Behzad , Simmons Craig T. , Irvine Dylan J.
Published: April 2018

Article impact statement: A discussion on ambiguous definition and use of the term convection in groundwater literature and recommendations for solving this problem.
Rationale for treating hepatitis C virus infection in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ridruejo Ezequiel , Mendizabal Manuel , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: April 2018

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney transplant recipients. Little information exists on treatment in patients with CKD stages 2 to 3, where CKD progression might be slowed by HCV treatment. These patients are not considered a high priority for HCV treatment in most international guidelines. Although some recently published guidelines propose universal treatment, others are still recommending it only in high priority groups. In this review, we evaluate current evidence of HCV infection impact on CKD progression, on cardiovascular and metabolic risk, and the benefits of HCV infection treatment to improve cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. We made special focus on the benefits of HCV infection treatment in patients with stages 2 to 3 CKD to avoid CKD progression.
The prevention of hepatitis C virus transmission to hemodialysis patients and staff members
Authors: Jadoul Michel
Published: April 2018

In this review article, we cover 4 topics very relevant to those involved in the care of hemodialysis (HD) patients and in the management of a HD unit. We start with an overview of the progress made over the last 25 years to reduce hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in HD. Next, we discuss the potential strategies to prevent the residual ongoing transmission of HCV to HD patients. Third, we discuss the actions to be taken if a seroconversion for HCV is nevertheless detected in a HD patient. Finally, we briefly discuss how best to protect HD staff members from occupationally acquired HCV infection.
Aboriginal experiences of cancer and care coordination: Lessons from the Cancer Data and Aboriginal Disparities (CanDAD) narratives
Authors: Reilly Rachel , Micklem Jasmine , Yerrell Paul , Banham David , Morey Kim , Stajic Janet , Eckert Marion , Lawrence Monica , Stewart Harold B. , Brown Alex ,   the other CanDAD Investigators and the CanDAD Aboriginal Community Reference Group
Published: April 2018

Background

Aboriginal people with cancer experience worse outcomes than other Australians for a range of complex and interrelated reasons. A younger age at diagnosis, higher likelihood of more advanced cancer or cancer type with poorer prognosis, geographic isolation and cultural and language diversity mean that patient pathways are potentially more complex for Aboriginal people with cancer. In addition, variation in the quality and acceptability of care may influence cancer outcomes.

Objective

This study sought to understand how care coordination influences Aboriginal people's experiences of cancer treatment.

Methods

Interviews with 29 Aboriginal patients or cancer survivors, 11 carers and 22 service providers were carried out. Interviews were semi‐structured and sought to elicit experiences of cancer and the health‐care system. The manifest content of the cancer narratives was entered onto a cancer pathway mapping tool and underlying themes were identified inductively.

Results

The practice of cancer care coordination was found to address the needs of Aboriginal patients and their families/carers in 4 main areas: “navigating the health system”; “information and communication”; “things to manage at home”; and “cultural safety”.

Conclusions

The CanDAD findings indicate that, when the need for cancer care coordination is met, it facilitated continuity of care in a range of ways that may potentially improve cancer outcomes. However, the need remains unmet for many. Findings support the importance of dedicated care coordination to enable Aboriginal people to receive adequate and appropriate patient‐centred care, so that the unacceptable disparity in cancer outcomes between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people can be addressed.
Breastfeeding and growth during infancy among offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gunderson E. P. , Greenspan L. C. , Faith M. S. , Hurston S. R. , Quesenberry C. P. ,   on behalf of the SWIFT Offspring Study Investigators
Published: April 2018

Background

Breastfeeding (BF) may protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children exposed to maternal diabetes in utero, but its effects on infant growth among this high‐risk group have rarely been evaluated.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate BF intensity and duration in relation to infant growth from birth through 12 months among offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Prospective cohort of 464 GDM mother‐infant dyads (28% White, 36% Hispanic, 26% Asian, 8% Black, 2% other). Weight and length measured at birth, 6–9 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Categorized as intensive BF or formula feeding (FF) groups at 6–9 weeks (study baseline), and intensity from birth through 12 months as Group 1: consistent exclusive/mostly FF, Group 2: transition from BF to FF within 3–9 months and Group 3: consistent exclusive/mostly BF. Multivariable mixed linear regression models estimated adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) change in z‐scores; weight‐for‐length (WLZ), weight‐for‐age and length‐for‐age.

Results

Compared with intensive BF at 6–9 weeks, FF showed greater increases in WLZ‐scores from 6 to 9 weeks to 6 months [+0.38 (0.13 to 0.62) vs. +0.02 (−0.15 to 0.19); p = 0.02] and birth to 12 months [+1.11 (0.87 to 1.34) vs. +0.53 (0.37 to 0.69); p < 0.001]. For 12‐month intensity and duration, Groups 2 and 3 had smaller WLZ‐score increases than Group 1 from 6 to 9 weeks to 6 months [−0.05 (−0.27 to 0.18) and +0.07 (−0.19 to 0.23) vs. +0.40 (0.15 to 0.64); p = 0.01 and 0.07], and birth to 12 months [+0.60 (0.39 to 0.82) and +0.59 (0.33 to 0.85) vs. +0.97 (0.75 to 1.19); p < 0.05].

Conclusions

Among offspring of mothers with GDM, high intensity BF from birth through 1 year is associated with slower infant ponderal growth and lower weight gain.
Inflammatory bowel disease and immunonutrition: novel therapeutic approaches through modulation of diet and the gut microbiome
Authors: Celiberto Larissa S. , Graef Franziska A. , Healey Genelle R. , Bosman Else S. , Jacobson Kevan , Sly Laura M. , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: April 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, thought to at least in part reflect an aberrant immune response to gut bacteria. IBD is increasing in incidence, particularly in populations that have recently immigrated to western countries. This suggests that environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. We hypothesize that the increase in IBD rates might reflect the consumption of an unhealthy Western diet, containing excess calories and lacking in key nutritional factors, such as fibre and vitamin D. Several recent studies have determined that dietary factors can dramatically influence the activation of immune cells and the mediators they release through a process called immunonutrition. Moreover, dietary changes can profoundly affect the balance of beneficial versus pathogenic bacteria in the gut. This microbial imbalance can alter levels of microbiota‐derived metabolites that in turn can influence innate and adaptive intestinal immune responses. If the diet–gut microbiome disease axis does indeed underpin much of the ‘western’ influence on the onset and progression of IBD, then tremendous opportunity exists for therapeutic changes in lifestyle, to modulate the gut microbiome and to correct immune imbalances in individuals with IBD. This review highlights four such therapeutic strategies – probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D and caloric restriction – that have the potential to improve and add to current IBD treatment regimens.
Time Together: A nursing intervention in psychiatric inpatient care: Feasibility and effects
Authors: Molin Jenny , Lindgren Britt‐Marie , Graneheim Ulla Hällgren , Ringnér Anders
Published: April 2018

The facilitation of quality time between patients and staff in psychiatric inpatient care is useful to promote recovery and reduce stress experienced by staff. However, interventions are reported to be complex to implement and are poorly described in the literature. This multisite study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effects of the nursing intervention Time Together, using mixed methods. Data consisted of notes from participant observations and logs to evaluate feasibility, and questionnaires to evaluate effects. The primary outcome for patients was quality of interactions, and for staff, it was perceived stress. The secondary outcome for patients was anxiety and depression symptom levels, and for staff, it was stress of conscience. Data were analysed using visual analysis, percentage of nonoverlapping data, and qualitative content analysis. The results showed that Time Together was a feasible intervention, but measurements showed no effects on the two patient outcomes: quality of interactions and anxiety and depressive symptoms and, questionable effects on perceived stress and stress of conscience among staff. Shared responsibility, a friendly approach, and a predictable structure enabled Time Together, while a distant approach and an unpredictable structure hindered the intervention. In conclusion, the intervention proved to be feasible with potential to enable quality interactions between patients and staff using the enabling factors as supportive components. It also had some effects on perceived stress and stress of conscience among staff. Further evaluation is needed to build on the evidence for the intervention.
Contribution and interaction of the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and triglyceride to diabetes in hypertensive patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hong Mengyang , Ling Yan , Lu Zhiqiang , Liu Ying , Gu Ping , Shao Jiaqing , Gao Xin , Li Xiaomu
Published: April 2018

Aims/Introduction

Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of lipid profiles, including the ratio of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C)‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as their interactions, with type 2 diabetes in hypertensive patients.

Materials and Methods

Hypertensive patients without a history of diabetes and hypolipidemic agents were enrolled continuously at the Hypertension Clinic, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) from 2014 to 2016. General clinical data, including body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose and 2‐h post‐load glucose levels, and lipid profiles, were collected. The LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio, TG/HDL‐C ratio and TC/HDL‐C ratio were separately calculated. Statistical analyses were carried out by using SPSS software (version 13.0).

Results

In total, 935 hypertensive patients were included, of which 114 patients (12.2%) were diagnosed with diabetes. After multivariate adjustments, the LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and TG levels had the most significant and independent associations with diabetes. In the multivariate logistic regression, the LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and TG were independently associated with diabetes. After the interaction variable was included, the LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio remained independently associated with diabetes, but TG was replaced by TG*LDL‐C/HDL‐C.

Conclusions

In conclusion, elevated LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratios and TG levels were associated with diabetes in patients with hypertension, with an interactive effect of the LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and TG on diabetes in the hypertensive population.
Adapting evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines at university teaching hospitals: A model for the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Amer Yasser S. , Wahabi Hayfaa A. , Abou Elkheir Manal M. , Bawazeer Ghada A. , Iqbal Shaikh M. , Titi Maher A. , Ekhzaimy Aishah , Alswat Khalid A. , Alzeidan Rasmieh A. , Al‐Ansary Lubna A.
Published: April 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are significant tools for evidence‐based health care quality improvement. The CPG program at King Saud University was launched as a quality improvement program to fulfil the international accreditation standards. This program was a collaboration between the Research Chair for Evidence‐Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation and the Quality Management Department. This study aims to develop a fast‐track method for adaptation of evidence‐based CPGs and describe results of the program.

Methods

Twenty‐two clinical departments participated in the program. Following a CPGs awareness week directed to all health care professionals (HCPs), 22 teams were trained to set priorities, search, screen, assess, select, and customize the best available CPGs. The teams were technically supported by the program's CPG advisors. To address the local health care context, a modified version of the ADAPTE was used where recommendations were either accepted or rejected but not changed. A strict peer‐review process for clinical content and methodology was employed.

Results

In addition to raising awareness and building capacity, 35 CPGs were approved for implementation by March 2018. These CPGs were integrated with other existing projects such as accreditation, electronic medical records, performance management, and training and education. Preliminary implementation audits suggest a positive impact on patient outcomes. Leadership commitment was a strength, but the high turnover of the team members required frequent and extensive training for HCPs.

Conclusion

This model for CPG adaptation represents a quick, practical, economical method with a sense of ownership by staff. Using this modified version can be replicated in other countries to assess its validity.
Establishment of a new fish cell line from the caudal fin of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus and its susceptibility to iridovirus
Authors: Wei S. , Yu Y. , Qin Q.
Published: April 2018

A new cell line derived from the caudal fin of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (TOCF) was successfully established and characterized. TOCF cells grew well at 28° C in L‐15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS). The cell line has been subcultured in more than 100 passages. Molecular characterization of 18S ribosomal (r)RNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) confirmed that the TOCF cells were derived indeed from T. ovatus. TOCF cells have a modal chromosome number of 54. It was further showed that TOCF cells were transfected successfully with pEGFP‐N3 and pDsRED‐N1 plasmid, suggesting that TOCF cells could be used to research gene functions in vitro. Viral susceptibility tests showed that TOCF cells were susceptible to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), observed by the occurrence of the cytopathic effect (CPE) with the formation of inclusion bodies. In addition, the expression of major capsid protein (MCP) gene of SGIV changed during virus infection in TOCF cells. Thus, our present results described the characteristic of a TOCF cell line that could be a valuable tool for genetic manipulation, as well as isolation and propagation of iridovirus studies.
Examining the influence of social‐environmental variables on self‐injurious behaviour in adolescent boys with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hall S. S. , Hustyi K. M. , Barnett R. P.
Published: April 2018

Background

Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known inherited form of intellectual disability, are at increased risk for showing specific forms of self‐injurious behaviour (SIB) such as hand biting and head hitting, suggesting that biological factors associated with the syndrome confers increased risk for SIB. Few studies, however, have examined the extent to which social‐environmental variables can influence the occurrence of these behaviours in this population.

Method

Twenty‐two adolescent boys with FXS, aged 10 to 18 years were systematically exposed to seven environmental conditions in functional analyses of SIB conducted over 2 days at our research centre.

Results

Fourteen (63.6%) boys with FXS engaged in SIB during the functional analyses. Ten (45.5%) boys engaged in SIB that was maintained by social‐environmental variables, that is, gaining access to attention/tangibles and/or escaping from social interaction, task demands and/or transition demands. For two boys, SIB was undifferentiated across conditions, and for two boys, SIB appeared to be maintained by automatic reinforcement.

Conclusions

Social‐environmental variables appeared to maintain SIB in a significant proportion of boys with FXS. Given that pharmacological treatments for SIB have limited efficacy in this population, the potential role of social‐environmental factors on SIB should be examined before pharmacological treatments are implemented for these behaviours.
Uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): A case report and a brief review of the veterinary literature
Authors: Mustonen Allison , Gonzalez Olga , Mendoza Elda , Kumar Shyamesh , Dick Edward J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Uremic encephalopathy is uncommon yet is one of the most severe complications of renal failure. We present a case of acute renal failure and associated cerebral and vascular lesions consistent with uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

Methods

A 14‐year‐old, female, specific‐pathogen‐free rhesus macaque presented in lateral recumbency, obtunded, severely dehydrated, and hypothermic, with severe azotemia, mild hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, increased anion gap, and hypercholesterolemia. Due to poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized and a complete necropsy was conducted.

Results

The animal had diffuse proximal renal tubular epithelial necrosis and loss; regeneration of tubular epithelium was not observed. There was bilateral necrosis and loss of neurons and glial cells in the hippocampus and deep cerebral cortex with edema and multifocal areas of hemorrhage.

Conclusion

We present the first reported case of uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque and describe the associated cerebral and vascular lesions.
A comparison between the semen and sperm parameters from the captive‐bred Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) and Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: de Villiers Charon
Published: April 2018

Background

It is generally accepted that non‐human primates (NHP) represent the model of choice for integrative studies of testicular function and endocrine control. However, there are many species‐specific differences that necessitate identification prior to the selection of an appropriate model for these studies. In an NHP breeding facility, this opportunity of selection is usually presented during breeding periods when it is crucial to determine which individuals should be maintained as breeders. With reference to adult males and their use in breeding programs and reproductive studies, it is therefore imperative to document the normal semen and sperm values, expected seasonal changes and the variabilities found within samples and among individuals. The comparison of closely related species that differ by breeding seasonality will, therefore, highlight their value in reproductive research.

Methods

Semen samples were obtained by rectal probe electroejaculation (RPE). The seminal and sperm characteristics of captive‐bred Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) (n = 10) and Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) (n = 10) were evaluated and compared. Parameters such as semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, and sperm motility were analyzed by means of a computer‐aided sperm analysis (CASA) system.

Results

Large variations in semen and sperm parameter values indicated differences between species and samples. Monthly variations were observed for the Vervet regardless of breeding and conceptions that occurred throughout the year. In contrast, Rhesus seminal characteristics indicated a clear seasonal trend.

Conclusion

Non‐human primates have long provided as research models for studying complexities of human reproductive biology. The baseline values reported from this study can be applied as guidelines during the selection of male individuals for reproductive studies. Of further interest is the comparative data on semen and sperm parameters between two congeneric species that differ by seasonal versus aseasonal breeding.
Allusive References and Other‐Oriented Stance in an Affinal Avoidance Register
Authors: Mitchell Alice
Published: April 2018

This paper analyzes the social‐relational dynamics of in‐law name avoidance in Datooga, a Nilotic language spoken in Tanzania. Datooga women avoid referring to their senior affines by birth name, while also avoiding words that “allusively” refer to these in‐laws by sharing lexical or phonetic material with their names. These acts of name avoidance are conceptualized here in terms of stance: each instance of avoidance orients the speaker toward her affinal kin. The analysis of this unusual phenomenon emphasizes how speakers construct social relations in discourse not only with immediate speech participants but also with absent others, across time and space.